Heather Jameson 12 October 2020

PM pledges extra £1bn for local government amid three-tier system

Boris Johnson has announced a further £1bn in funding for local government as the country heads into the second wave of COVID-19.

Announcing his three-tier system of local lockdowns, Mr Johnson told the nation: ‘We are giving local authorities across England around a billion pounds so they can protect vital services as they fight the virus.'

Under the rules, medium risk areas will stay at the current level of restrictions, while high risk areas will also include a ban on indoor social mixing between households.

In very high risk areas, where the NHS is under pressure, restrictions ‘will be worked out with local leaders, along with tailored packages of support’, Mr Johnson said.

‘But at a minimum they will, sadly, include a ban on all social mixing between households in private places, including gardens and pubs and bars must close unless they can operate solely as a restaurant, serving alcohol only as part of a main meal.  

‘We will also ask people not to travel into and out of Very High alert level areas.’

The Prime Minister also pledged extra test and trace funding for very high risk areas.   

From Wednesday, Liverpool City Region will be categorised as very high alert, with gyms, leisure centres, betting shops and casinos all closing.

‘We are still working with other local leaders to determine how best to tackle the resurgence of the virus in their areas. But tackle it we will,’ he said.

Local Government Association chairman, Cllr James Jamieson, said the association was ‘pleased government will provide much-needed additional funding’ but added: ‘We await further details around this funding.’

Sheffield City Region mayor Dan Jarvis claimed it was ‘reckless’ to introduce restrictions without financial support for people unable to work. ‘Otherwise regional leaders are trying to protect lives, jobs and businesses on the cheap,’ he said.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Chief Executive

Ebbsfleet Development Corporation
up to £165,000
Ebbsfleet is one of the UK’s most ambitious regeneration projects, a 21st-century Garden City Ebbsfleet, Kent
Recuriter: Ebbsfleet Development Corporation

Assistant Director Strategy & Community Regeneration

Newcastle City Council
£100,592 - £106,591 per annum
Newcastle is a city fast gaining a reputation for its innovation and progress. Newcastle, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Recuriter: Newcastle City Council

Contract Management and SRM Officer

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Strengthen how we manage our contracts, build lasting supplier partnerships and deliver value for our residentsStrengthen how we manage our contracts, England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Play Ranger

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£38,976 - £47,229 (pro rata for part time post)
Play Ranger£38,97... Wandsworth, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Temporary Accommodation Officer

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£38,976 - £47,229 per annum
As with many other Boroughs in the capital, tackling homelessness is a high priority. The Temporary Accommodation Procurement Officer will be required to source new business to increase the supply of properties based on the demand by building relationship 90 Putney Bridge Road, Twickenham
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Linkedin Banner