Coronavirus (COVID-19): updated 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 government has announced further measures and guidance to tackle the outbreak of coronavirus.

Local government

• Major new measures to protect people at highest risk from Coronavirus
• Robert Jenrick reaffirms support for councils in their coronavirus response
• Taskforce to bolster local response to coronavirus
• Fraud control in emergency management: COVID-19 UK Government guide
• Allocations of additional funding to local authorities
• Coronavirus (COVID-19): notification of data controllers to share information

Business rates

• Business rates: expanded retail discount 2020 to 2021: coronavirus response – local authority guidance
• Business rates: nursery (childcare) discount 2020 to 2021: coronavirus response – local authority guidance
• 6/2020: coronavirus response and updated guidance

Business and retail

• Further businesses and premises to close: guidance on the closure of certain businesses and venues as part of further social distancing measures
• Guidance setting out details of eligibility and delivery of the Small Business Grants Fund (SBGF) and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund (RHLGF)
• Guidance for employees, employers and businesses in providing advice about the novel coronavirus, COVID-19
• Coronavirus (COVID-19): business support grant funding - guidance for local authorities
• £300 million announced for community pharmacies to support them during coronavirus outbreak

Council tax

• Council tax: COVID-19 hardship fund 2020 to 2021 - guidance

Domestic abuse safe accommodation

• Guidance for providers of safe accommodation with support for victims of domestic abuse and their children

Homelessness and rough sleeping services

• COVID-19: guidance for hostel or day centres for people rough sleeping
• COVID-19 advice for accommodation providers
• Letter from Minister Hall to local authorities on plans to protect rough sleepers
• Letter from Minister Hall to caravan and park home owners
• Letter from Minister Hall to hotels on providing accommodation to support vulnerable people
• £3.2 million emergency support for rough sleepers during coronavirus outbreak

Housing

• Government advice on home moving during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
• COVID-19 and renting: guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities
• Complete ban on evictions and additional protection for renters
• Extra protection for businesses with ban on evictions for commercial tenants who miss rent payments

Planning and building safety

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Planning Inspectorate guidance
• Remediation and COVID-19 Building Safety update – 27 March 2020
• Planning update letter (March 2020)

Procurement

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

Public health

• Guidance for businesses and other venues subject to further social distancing measures
• COVID-19: guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable
• COVID-19: infection prevention and control

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 other educational settings

Social care

• Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on vulnerable children and young people
• Changes to the Care Act 2014 to help local authorities prioritise care and support during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
• 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
• Announcement: £2.9 billion funding to strengthen care for the vulnerable
• Coronavirus (COVID-19): admission and care of people in care homes

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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