Specific updates and announcements for councils

This page contains Coronavirus updates and announcements relevant to local councils from key organisations and those from within the local government sector.

Guidance issued to councils on ‘shielding’: All councils will have received guidance on how they can organise the hub effort to help those with serious health conditions under enforced self-isolation. Click the link to read CCN’s response to the guidance.

Letter on meetings and elections: A letter from the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government to chief executives on emergency legislation on local authority meetings and the postponement of elections.

Ofsted to suspend all investigations: Ofsted has suspended all inspections indefinitely, including social care inspections. Click above for the official announcement.

CQC: CQC has also suspended all inspections indefinitely, including for health and social care providers. Click here for the announcement, including a letter sent to providers from CQC on how the organisation will operate in the coming weeks.

Local democracy and decision making: Click here to read a statement from Lawyers in Local Government and the Association of Democratic Services Officers on council meetings and decision making. Please note that this does not constitute legal advice.

Society of County Treasurers: The Society of County Treasurers has published the latest information on specific policies and pledges that will affect county authorities – such as the Spending Review, the Fair Funding Review, and the latest on business rates.

Data protection during the outbreak: The Information Commissioner’s Office has produced guidance on data protection, which you can read by clicking above.