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"These figures act as a truly tragic reminder of how many people, including those who are older and vulnerable, have lost their lives during the pandemic, leaving behind family and friends in mourning."

The latest ONS figures showing social care workers are twice as likely to die from COVID-19 than healthcare workers.

"The harm loneliness can cause, both physically and mentally, can be devastating to people of all ages - it is a serious public health concern which studies suggest can be as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day."

Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, responds to an annual report published today by the Office for National Statistics on preventable deaths in the UK in 2016.

"Councils are committed to ensuring that those that need help with alcohol misuse get the right support and treatment."

"The Met Office has predicted that hotter and drier summers could be likely to become more common as heat records are being broken more frequently, with all the challenges this brings to councils and the communities who we support."

“Coronavirus will be with us for many months and years ahead and councils want to play their full part in helping to design a test and trace strategy for the medium and long-term which keeps our communities safe."

“This powerful and emotive programme shines an important light on an adult social care system which is at breaking point."

Councils, which are responsible for public health services, are committed to continue supporting people with alcohol and other substance misuse problems despite ongoing pressures made worse by the pandemic.

"We urgently need to take action to tackle child obesity and councils are playing their part, but need more planning powers to help tackle this epidemic which has made the UK the most obese nation in western Europe."