CCN Response: Local authorities provided with £300m to support test, track and tracing

Below, our Chairman Cllr David Williams responds to the development;

Cllr David Williams, chairman of the County Councils Network, said:

“Today’s announcement that local authorities will play a leading role in testing, tracking and tracing is a clear vote of confidence for councils. CCN has made the case with the wider sector for a local approach to taking forward this crucial next stage of battling the Coronavirus and leading the economic recovery. We strongly welcome this, and the additional funding provided to support these new responsibilities.

“A number of counties are taking part in the lead areas in England, and all our member councils will play a crucial role as it rolled out across the country. County authorities’ public health teams, working with NHS and district council partners, have a huge amount of expertise to call upon, helping to devise the scheme nationally, making it work locally and providing essential leadership on the ground.”

• The County Councils Network is the national voice for England’s county councils. It represents all 25 county councils and 11 county unitary authorities. Collectively, they represent 26 million people, or 47% of the country’s population. It is a special interest group of the Local Government Association. For more information, visit org.uk.