As we approach the end of 2020, it is time to reflect on what we have learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The past 10 months have been an unprecedented challenge for us, yet they have brought the nation together and proved that local government is the backbone of our society.
“It is vital that councils are fully involved in shaping the recovery plans”
During this pandemic, councils have played a phenomenal role and developed excellent innovations to meet the challenge of COVID-19.
As local leaders, they have worked closely with partners in health, the voluntary sector and the police to protect their community, particularly vulnerable residents.
While delivering essential services, councils have also supported businesses, efficiently provided accommodation for homeless people and distributed food and medicine for those in need.
In the post-pandemic era, our Government should continue to recognise that councils are best placed to deliver frontline services for their residents, and therefore give more flexibility and resources to them. It is also vital that they are fully involved in shaping the recovery plans.
Additionally, engagement and communication between local and central government must be improved so joined-up services across health, social care and other public services are better equipped for any future emergencies.
Finally, we need to build on the successes in how we use technology in service delivery and improvement of productivity and efficiency.
As this is my last article of the year for first, I would like to thank all colleagues and council staff for their hard work and wish them a merry Christmas and prosperous new year.
