Providing services in a time of lockdown
Councils are leading local efforts to support communities as they try and cope with the coronavirus outbreak.
As you will see both here and on the Government Business website, councils across the country are going above and beyond to ensure that their communities continue to operate smoothly and that the most vulnerable are prioritised and protected from the virus.
This includes maintaining essential services, like waste collections, providing free travel for key workers, boosting online operations and apps, creating emergency space for NHS use and keeping schools open for the children of key workers and the most in need.
Much of this is only made possible by two things: firstly, the government's £500 million hardship funding, which is allowing councils to better target the most at need residents and boost existing local welfare schemes. Secondly, it is only possible through the dedication and bravery of our local government workers, who rightly deserve all praise that is coming their way. Local government workers should always be valued, but even more so when they are needed in a situation like this.
Enjoy the issue.
Michael Lyons, editor
