Title

SOLACE

The work of local government has become 'even more urgent'

The coronavirus pandemic is highlighting ‘the very best of councils and our workforces’, according to president of Solace UK Martin Swales.

The coronavirus pandemic is highlighting ‘the very best of councils and our workforces', according to president of Solace UK Martin Swales.

Mr Swales said today that collaboration ‘is in councils' DNA', and he paid tribute to ‘each and every one of you who are all doing an amazing job in the most challenging of circumstances'.

Councils are ‘rooted in their communities and these strong ties will be vital as we all pull together to respond to this crisis', he added.

According to Mr Swales, the goals of local government during the pandemic are ‘crystal clear – to do everything we can to save lives by curbing the spread of the virus and lesson the pressure on the NHS, in particular over the next few weeks when the number of those infected and needing hospital treatment is expected to escalate'.

Councils at all levels will need to work alongside the NHS, Public Health England and with partners in the community to create as much capacity as possible to ensure hospital patients could be discharged safely into the community in a timely way, he said.

Local authorities will also ‘ensure the most vulnerable are protected and remain connected to society over the coming months, whether that be through food packages or other support mechanisms', he added.

We will do everything we can to save lives

SOLACE

Three unitary plan dismissed as 'unworkable'

By William Eichler | 08 August 2025

Lower-tier council leaders in Suffolk have published local government reorganisation proposals for establishing three unitary authorities despite claims they...

SOLACE

Not zero: Core cities admit they will fail to hit ambitious climate targets

By Dan Peters | 07 August 2025

Core cities have called for billions of pounds of investment to transition to net zero after admitting they will fail to hit their ambitious targets.

SOLACE

Shifting the presssure

By Martin Ford | 07 August 2025

With consultation set to close on the fair funding review, Martin Ford looks at the challenges faced by those tasked with ensuring the new system helps strug...

SOLACE

Fears fair funding could trigger section 114 notices

By Martin Ford | 07 August 2025

Fears councils may be forced into issuing section 114 notices by the fair funding review have been voiced as the consultation deadline approaches.

Ann McGauran

Popular articles by Ann McGauran