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“Councils have a unique understanding of their communities and are ideally placed with the skills, knowledge and experience on the ground to help ramp up the level of testing and contact tracing necessary to defeat this disease."

“This survey shows councils are doing all they can to support care providers despite being under huge pressure themselves to combat coronavirus and protect our elderly and most vulnerable."

"While we have started to thankfully see a decline in some figures, it is still incredibly worrying that the percentage of all deaths in care homes attributed to COVID-19 has increased."

“Councils are keen to support their local schools to get children back as soon as possible. However, the safety of children, their families and staff will always be the top priority."

"Councils continue to lead local efforts to beat this disease but are facing increased cost and demand pressures at the same time as experiencing a significant drop in income."

Excluding councils from the Government’s newly created Cultural Renewal Taskforce removes the local voice on cultural renewal, the Local Government Association warns. 

"A clear national message is now needed from government about the safe return of children to schools and the scientific advice must be accessible for all parents to support efforts by schools and councils."

Cllr Ian Hudspeth responds to the announcement of £300 million additional funding for local authorities to support the new test and trace service.

“This funding is good news for local communities and will be most effective when it is directed through councils so that they can commission the essential transport services that many people rely on."

“Councils want to take this opportunity to change the lives of our most vulnerable residents and stand ready to work with government on a national plan to move people into safe, long-term housing with access to wider support they might need."