Frontline worker tests
All essential workers in England – and members of their household – will now be eligible for coronavirus tests, it was announced as first was going to press.
news
Under-16s ‘to be banned’ from unregulated accommodation
The Government is consulting on plans to make it illegal to put children in care aged under 16 in unregulated accommodation, amid concerns that some are being left at risk of exploitation.
Action plan for social care
The Government has launched an Action Plan for Adult Social Care, setting out the four key areas that underpin its approach to supporting social care during the coronavirus pandemic.
Latest ONS statistics
Around one in six coronavirus-related deaths occurred outside hospitals – including in care homes – according to the latest Office for National Statistics figures.
Councils ‘helping firms access funding’
Councils have been working ‘at pace’ to identify and contact eligible businesses to support them to apply for government funding since 1 April, and continue to distribute the cash as quickly as possible.
‘Suspend academy conversions’
Academy conversions should be suspended to help overstretched councils focus on supporting schools and nurseries to stay open, the LGA has said.
Boom in digital library usage
Libraries across some parts of the country have seen an increase in newly registered users of more than 600 per cent since lockdown measures were introduced, the LGA has reported.
Support for arts and culture
The LGA has joined forces with Arts Council England and other partners to ensure there is a joined-up approach across the sector to supporting culture through the COVID-19 crisis.
‘End care-health divide’
The coronavirus crisis proves the artificiality of the funding divide between the NHS and social care, according to a recent research note from the think tank Policy Exchange.
Flexibility needed on First Homes scheme
The Government has launched a consultation over its First Homes scheme, which proposes to cut the cost of some new homes by a third for first-time buyers.