News

Cllr David Fothergill, responds to the announcement of Dr Jeanelle de Gruchy as the new Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England and the formal launch of the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities.

"Every death to drug misuse is a tragedy and councils are absolutely determined to ensure vulnerable people have the right support and treatment, despite the ongoing pressures of the pandemic, as part of their public health and wider responsibilities."

“COVID-19 has cruelly exposed and exacerbated the many social and health problems which existed before the pandemic, that need to be urgently addressed as part of our national recovery."

"Amanda Pritchard is a highly respected and experienced senior leader in the NHS and her appointment comes at a crucial time, not only in our recovery from the pandemic, but also during an ambitious transformation agenda being taken forward in the Health and Care Bill."

“The forthcoming Spending Review is an opportunity to ensure that councils have the necessary funding to achieve real and lasting change for disabled people."

Cllr James Jamieson, Chairman of the Local Government Association, responds to the publication of government guidance on exemptions from self-isolation for critical workers.

“Every life lost to COVID-19 is a tragedy and it is heartbreaking for families who lost loved ones who were living in care homes and unable to be as close to them in their final moments, as we would all wish, due to restrictions."

“This new strategy, the first of its kind to cover children and young people as well as adults, rightly focuses on supporting autistic people to live their lives in their communities, widening the focus beyond social care and health services.

“No community should miss out on the opportunity for better health and wellbeing, if we are to build back better from the pandemic.”

"It is clear that the current high prevalence of COVID-19 has resulted in large numbers of close contacts being required to self-isolate, which is placing pressure on some council services due to staff shortages. Most councils have been able to keep services running but there is a concern that, if rates increase further, many will be forced to prioritise services that protect the most vulnerable in their communities."