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“It is great news that gyms and leisure centres can reopen, and many people will be hugely excited about being able to safely visit them again."

“It is great that the Government has recognised the importance of culture to the social fabric of our nation by announcing this funding which will be a lifeline to many theatres, galleries and museums which have been severely impacted by coronavirus."

“We are pleased that the Government recognises the important role that tourism plays in boosting the UK economy and that it has provided this much needed funding."

“It is up to individuals and businesses to make sure they act responsibly and safely, including maintaining social distancing. Councils will be working with police, businesses and other partners to ensure existing and new requirements are complied with."

“It would be a tragedy if our collective efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19 are undone in a way that leads to a resurgence of this deadly virus that puts further lives at risk.”

"It is vitally important that councils retain oversight of the activities allowed in their local areas so that they can manage different interests, including the need to contain COVID-19, accessibility issues, the interests of local residents and any competing demands between different businesses."

"Museums, galleries and libraries have adapted imaginatively to lockdown, providing new and innovative services for their communities, but they have been unable to generate income during this time putting many at risk of closure."

"We agree that councils must be fully funded and have local flexibility to deliver any scheme that aims to provide additional support and services to vulnerable children and young people over the summer."

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

“Many council-owned libraries have experienced an increase of more than 600 per cent in new registered members since the Government’s mandated lockdown."