Track and Trace Public Health Grant Allocation unfair to rural
Rural Authorities have yet again been unfairly treated by Government in financial distributional issues. This time it is in respect of the distribution of the Track and Trace Public Health Grant allocation. The distribution of the grant was published on 11th June and is worth £300 million. It has been distributed to local authorities in […]
Everyone is now eligible for Covid-19 testing
An update from Defra for our members is below: You should be aware that everyone is now eligible for testing through the NHS portal:https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing-and-tracing/ask-for-a-test-to-check-if-you-have-coronavirus/ We encourage you to participate in the track and trace system. It is particularly important to remind BAME and hard to reach groups that they can and should get a test […]
Issues raised at the 12th June meeting of the Rural Impacts Stakeholder Forum (RISF)
The Rural Impacts Stakeholder Forum (RISF) was established in March 2020 to enable open and regular dialogue between key rural stakeholder organisations and Defra on the impact of COVID-19 on rural communities and businesses. Members of the Forum meet with Defra officials on a weekly basis, with Lord Gardiner, the Minister for Rural Affairs and […]
From floods to pandemics – resilience for rural communities at times of crisis
Communities Prepared (a Groundwork South programme) and Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) have published a new guide to help rural communities become more resilient in the face of emergencies. Drawing on the experience of local rural charities and existing initiatives, the guide provides practical tips for rural residents to prepare for, and help […]
Seven out of 10 happy with council support
The MJ has published research from the Local Government Association showing that seven out of 10 people are very or fairly satisfied with the way their council is supporting them and their household during the COVID-19 pandemic The polling found that more than six out of 10 people were ‘very or fairly satisfied’ with the […]
Defra – Food Vulnerability, Local Authority Welfare Assistance Scheme
Below is is this week’s update on Defra’s work on food for vulnerable people: Defra recieved Confirmation on Wednesday 10 of June of a one-off, additional funds for people who are Economically Vulnerable due to impacts of the COVID-19 response. The Prime Minister announced an additional £63 million, short-term funding, for local authorities to help […]
Hammer blow for Social Enterprises and disadvantaged communities
Disadvantaged communities suffering from the impact of Covid-19 could be delivered another hammer blow in just a matter of weeks unless a vital scheme that encourages investment is continued. Social enterprises and social investors are urging the Government to not backtrack on its promise to ‘level up’ the UK’s cities and regions by scrapping Social […]
Rural consumers ready for transition to cashless society
Talking Retail and Retail Times have published research demonstrating that rural and older communities are as happy to make cashless payments as their younger and city-dwelling counterparts 55 percent of those living rurally responded to a survey stating that they now feel prepared for the transition to a cashless society. In addition, 70 percent of […]
UK regional rebalancing may be boosted by COVID-19 response
Business Manchester has reported that the COVID-19 pandemic may have boosted the Government’s regional rebalancing strategy to benefit areas including the North West, according to the UK chief economist at global commercial property services company, Colliers International Speaking at a recent Northern Powerhouse Regional Economic Briefing webinar, Dr Walter Boettcher said: ‘Regional rebalancing that lies […]
The Mirror’s ‘Shop for Britain’ campaign to help save the High Street
The Daily Mirror has launched a ‘Shop for Britain’ campaign urging people to make a conscious decision about where they shop, and what they buy, to help businesses across Britain bounce back after COVID-19 The campaign is urging people to shop in their local areas, back both independents and chain stores to encourage a healthy […]
