Martin Ford 23 October 2020

Councils gain COVID enforcement powers

Councils are to gain new powers to issue businesses with improvement notices and close premises if they breach coronavirus restrictions.

Health secretary Matt Hancock told the House of Commons the Government will work on detailed proposals with councils in the coming days.

He said the aim was to create ‘stronger regulations to give local authorities further powers to take action’.

Mr Hancock added: ‘The proposals we will bring forward will mean councils will be able to act without delay and use closure notices to shut premises on public health grounds, to help suppress the virus.’

Councils currently have to resort to general health and safety legislation in order to take action against businesses flouting COVID-19 restrictions.

Individual councils have appealed for powers to issue fixed penalty notices, currently only available to the police, while the Local Government Association previously asked for compliance with social distancing measures to be included in licensing laws as a temporary measure.

Chair of the LGA’s safer and stronger communities board, Cllr Nesil Caliskan, said: ‘Ensuring councils have a range of tools at their disposal will allow them to work quickly to help suppress the virus in their communities and take action before it is too late.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker - Family Support and Safeguarding - Bicester Banbury

Oxfordshire County Council
£37035 - £47754
You will manage a caseload tailored to your experience, ensuring that children’s and their families’ voices are heard, and their needs are met. You will work with families using the FSP Workbook modules, and a strengths-based approach, ensuring the As Bicester
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Executive Director of Resources & Governance (S151 Officer)

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council

Executive Director of Homes, Communities & Environment

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council

Executive Director of Strategy, People & Transformation

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council
Linkedin Banner