COVID-19 has created a ‘perfect storm’ of existing inequality and
disease, leading to higher rates of coronavirus infections and
death amongst the most disadvantaged people, councils warn today.
A lack of access to skills and training and
overcrowded housing are among the deep-rooted, structural issues
which need to be tackled if we are to build back better from the
pandemic, according to a new report by the Local Government
Association.
The LGA, which represents councils, said it is
vital to act now and drive forward work programmes which reduce
inequalities, prevent poor health and improve people’s
opportunities to live healthier, more active
lives.
Local authorities around the country have come
up with innovative ideas and are offering opportunities for their
residents to help reduce some of these inequalities, ranging from
providing mental health services for tackling loneliness and
isolation, to accessing essential items such as food, medicine
and financial support.
While councils are doing all they can to
protect their communities from the worst effects of the pandemic,
the LGA says it is clear that fundamental change is necessary to
address the multiple health inequalities which have been
exacerbated by COVID-19, including those related to age, gender,
ethnicity, occupation and geography.
This should mean greater support for education
and employment, in order to aid our collective recovery and make
progress against the stubborn, entrenched disadvantages faced by
many people.
Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the LGA’s
Community Wellbeing Board, said:
“COVID-19 has cruelly exposed and exacerbated
the many social and health problems which existed before the
pandemic, that need to be urgently addressed as part of our
national recovery.
“We know that where you live, your age,
ethnicity, gender and job status all play a part in determining
your chances of living a healthy, long life.
“Councils have been leading the local response
to the pandemic, from encouraging people to get tested and be
vaccinated, to protecting our most vulnerable through offering
emergency food, medicine and financial
support.
“As we start to return to a more normal way of
life, we want to work with government to ensure we finally
address the longstanding health inequalities preventing us from
levelling up the country.
“This should mean greater, more consistent
funding for councils’ public health services, alongside other
local government services such as housing and employment, all of
which can influence the future health and life chances of our
communities.
“By ensuring that everybody, no matter their
background or where they live and work, is able to realise their
potential of living a long healthy life, we can truly build back
better from the pandemic.”
Case
studies
-
Hertfordshire -
the county council commissioned the Centre for Mental Health to
produce a short guide to help people look after their mental
health, for use in workplaces, communities, organisations and
charities. In March 2020, the council established a Public
Health Mental Health Cell to oversee urgent projects in
relation to the impact of COVID-19, picking up and acting on
issues around anxiety, depression, crisis support, bereavement
and suicide prevention.
-
Bradford -
Since September 2020, Bradford’s Race Equality Network (REN)
has been delivering the COVID-19 Prevention Project for BAME
and Central Eastern European communities, funded by Bradford
Council’s Public Health department. The Buy in Bradford food
voucher scheme was also launched in response to the growing
numbers of people in food poverty in the
city.
Notes to
editors
The
LGA’s report – A perfect storm: health inequalities and the
impact of COVID-19.
