News

“The coronavirus outbreak will severely test and stretch our social care workforce, who already do a tremendous job in the face of extreme pressures.”

“Local government workers should always be respected and valued – even more so in these challenging times – when they are needed more than ever."

Bus services which are vital in getting health and care staff and other key workers to the frontline during the coronavirus outbreak will struggle to survive without emergency rescue funding, the Local Government Association says today. The LGA, which represents councils, is concerned that some bus companies and services will not be able to survive the crisis, as the number of passengers has fallen sharply – in some places 75 per cent - with most people now rightly staying safe at home. It wants to work with government on an emergency funding package for buses and council-run public

“Councils are leading local efforts to support businesses as they try and cope with the coronavirus outbreak."

The coronavirus outbreak poses serious risks to the country’s network of cultural organisations unless there is a joined-up approach to supporting them, the Local Government Association and Arts Council England set out today.

Responding to the Heritage Lottery Fund’s £50 million funding announcement for heritage sites, Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson, Chair of the LGA’s Culture, Tourism and Sport Board, said: “We are pleased that the Heritage Lottery Fund have provided much needed funding at this difficult time for heritage organisations, who face the additional challenge of high maintenance costs for their buildings during the current closures. "It is also positive that it recognises how investing in the ROSS network will help both heritage organisations, and provide work for hundreds of freelancers. "Preserving

Responding to the Government’s building safety announcement, Lord Porter, the Local Government Association’s building safety spokesman, said: “Residents have a right to be safe and feel safe in their own homes. This is even more important during the current coronavirus pandemic, as so many people are confined to their homes. “The Government’s announcement that the remediation of cladding remains a top priority is positive news, and industry and duty-holders now need to step up and deliver the work required. Leaseholders, who are facing a triple whammy of mortgage refusals, spiralling

“This survey shows that most council-run general waste and recycling kerbside collection services are operating as normal, which is testament to the sterling work of refuse workers rising to the challenge during the coronavirus crisis."

“We are pleased that the Government has listened to our call to extend the food voucher scheme to cover the Easter holidays."

"Councils want to keep parks open, but people need to follow the social distancing advice."