News

People need to take all necessary health precautions as Britain looks set to bask in a heatwave and keep an eye on vulnerable or elderly family and friends - while maintaining social distancing – who are most at risk if they catch coronavirus.

The LGA warns that text and call-based scams are on the rise and urges everyone to remind themselves of tell-tale signs that you may have been contacted by a scammer.

The vast majority of councils say that the LGA’s sector-led improvement is the right approach, according to an independent report.

The number of children with mental health problems seen by social workers has surged by a quarter since before the coronavirus pandemic, amounting to nearly 1,500 kids presenting to councils every week.

The LGA’s report shows that some independent providers of children’s residential and fostering placements are achieving profits of more than 20 per cent on their income.

Councillors from across the country and political spectrum have called on the Government to give greater priority to social care and start committing more resources to it now.

“Councils acted instantly when the pandemic struck to address the immediate crisis of getting thousands of rough sleepers off the streets to protect them from the spread of coronavirus."

“Algorithms and formulas can never be a substitute for local knowledge and decision-making by councils and communities who know their areas best."

COVID-19’s expected long-term health impact needs to be recognised in future public health and social care planning.

"The impacts of COVID-19 will be with us for years to come. They will show up in economic hardship, mental health issues, attainment gaps and more, and it will be up to councils, schools and their partners to support children and their families to navigate these challenges."