Local government shines at the heart of a crisis

摘要

When Rishi Sunak stood up to make his Budget promises a week ago, coronavirus was at the top of the agenda. But the speed at which the crisis is developing is breakneck. As the new chancellor offered cash to councils to help deal with the pandemic, the number of deaths in the UK had not yet hit double fi gures. The biggest inconvenience for the public was the prolonged hand-washing and some travel restrictions. Behind the scenes, local government may have been leaping into action, but for the public the limitations were negligible. Just a week later and the emergency planning is in full swing. The infection rates are climbing, the local elections have been cancelled and social distancing is in full swing. Welcome to the world of home working. The chancellor’s updated plans for fi nancial support are unprecedented. A raft of fi nancial measures to protect people and the economy – and recognising that local government will be the fi rst port of call for people in need. I have no doubt that the impact of the current crisis will reverberate around the globe for many years to come. Will it be remembered for the empty-shelved supermarkets and stockpiled pasta and loo rolls? Or will it be communities rallying round their neighours in need that will be the lasting legacy?