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"Homecare workers have not been able to access the same level of testing as their colleagues working in care homes, so this announcement should redress this balance. The further rollout of these tests to live-in carers and personal assistants also needs to happen as quickly as possible."

Vital public health services such as drug and alcohol treatment, early years and school aged support, weight management and sexual health services need urgent investment in the Spending Review if the country is to fully recover from the effects of the pandemic, councils say today.

“Councils have done an incredible job getting people sleeping rough off the streets and have accommodated more than 29,000 people who have faced homelessness since the start of the coronavirus pandemic."

Responding to announcements about adult social care and public health in today’s Spending Review, Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, said: “The coronavirus crisis has demonstrated the crucial value of councils’ adult social care and public health services. “Extra funding for children’s and adult social care will help address some short-term pressures, but we need a clear plan on the future of care and support and how we pay for it, which recognises low pay in the adult social care workforce and finally delivers parity of esteem with

Parks proved to be a lifeline for local communities during the COVID-19 crisis but the pandemic has had a devastating impact on councils’ park services, the Local Government Association sets out today.

“Unless this funding is made more long-term and less restrictive, more schools may have to close after having spent their budgets on supply teachers, which will only serve to exacerbate growing attainment gaps.”

“Councils want to play their full part in the future of public health. This pandemic has proven the value of local knowledge and leaders, supported by regional and national coordination. The Government should use this opportunity to strengthen public health and improve integration across health and care, backed up by necessary funding."

"Councils have played a crucial role during the pandemic and have demonstrated how vital local knowledge and expertise is in combating the virus and protecting their communities."

"Councils are now looking after nearly 16,000 more children than they were 10 years ago."

Responding to a National Audit Office interim report on the Government’s approach to test and trace in England, Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, said:  “From the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent launch of NHS Test and Trace, we have consistently called for councils and their directors of public health to be able to use their considerable expertise and unparalleled experience to play their full part in the national effort to beat this virus.  “Environmental health, emergency planners, trading standards and public