I share here some response Developments
- Government have now released funding allocations for the second round of funding for local authorities. Of the £1.6 billion, London will receive £254 million. Allocations have been distributed based on population and the additional coronavirus pressures local authorities have reported.
- There have been several recent developments and announcements around testing:
o Mobile Covid-19 testing units are up and running to help increase capacity and accessibility of testing for essential workers and vulnerable residents. The units are being operated by the Armed Forces and have been established around the country, targeting areas of high demand. The facilities have already been travelling around and testing essential workers and vulnerable residents in London.
o The Government has expanded testing to include anyone who is working or living in a care home, people aged over 65, or anyone who needs to leave home for work. There is further information around eligibility and available sites here.
o A new programme has been launched to track the spread of infection in England, with the aim of understanding how many people have been infected. Initially, the programme will be selected for testing to determine the accuracy and use of antigen testing. - The Government has asked local authorities to commence planning for the re-opening of Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs). Guidance from Government to support consideration of the change is awaited.
- On 4 May, the Government will launch a new Bounce Back Loans Scheme for small businesses, which will provide loans with a 100 per cent guarantee for lenders. The scheme aims to bolster the existing support for small businesses by providing loans between £2,000 to £50,000. See London Councils’ recent press release around support for small business in London.
