Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for local government

In the Budget on 11 March 2020, the Chancellor announced a package of measures to provide support for public services, individuals and businesses to ensure the impact of coronavirus is minimised.

Since then, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has announced further measures and guidance to tackle the outbreak of coronavirus, including:

• The creation of a taskforce to bring together senior experts from across key sectors – including resilience, local government, public health and adult social care fields – who will assess Local Resilience Forum (LRF) plans and provide support and advice to ensure they are robust.

• Guidance to assist staff and employers in addressing coronavirus in a hostel or day centre environment.

Local government

• Robert Jenrick reaffirms support for councils in their coronavirus response
• Taskforce to bolster local response to coronavirus
• Business rates: expanded retail discount 2020 to 2021: coronavirus response – local authority guidance

Homelessness and rough sleeping services

• £3.2 million emergency support for rough sleepers during coronavirus outbreak
• COVID-19: guidance for hostel or day centres for people rough sleeping

Housing

• Complete ban on evictions and additional protection for renters

Procurement

• Information and guidance on public procurement regulations and responding to the coronavirus outbreak

Pubs and restaurants

• Government to grant permission for pubs and restaurants to operate as takeaways as part of coronavirus response

Schools

• Guidance for schools and local authorities on free school meals arrangements during the coronavirus outbreak

Social care

• Framework for local authorities and adult social care professionals to support the planning and organisation of adult social care during the coronavirus outbreak
• COVID-19: residential care, supported living and home care guidance

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See also Public Health England’s:

• stay at home guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection
• guidance about coronavirus (COVID-19) for health professionals and other organisations
• Coronavirus (COVID-19): UK government response