conservativehome--2020-03-30--Saving the NHS v saving the economy?

Saving the NHS v saving the economy?

On the one hand , the Government must strain to stop the collapse of the NHS beneath the weight of Coronavirus patients .
In such an event , it would be very unlikely to survive .
On the other , it must strive to halt the collapse of the economy beneath a mass of bust incomes .
In such an event , it would be very unlikely to survive either .
The events of the last few days have seen Ministers working to the get the balance right – all the while being , as we ’ ve said before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a moving target with a gun that may not work .
Last Thursday , Neil Ferguson , of the Imperial College team from which the Government is taking some of its advice , gave evidence to the Science and Technology Select Committee .
He said that “ perhaps in three weeks we will start flattening the curve ” and that he was “ reasonably confident ” that the NHS will cope .
Not being a politician , Ferguson was more straightforward than a Minister would have been ( try to find one who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his words risked sparking a bit of a media and social bush fire .
For the more talk there is of danger easing , the more temptation there is to flout the lockdown .
And the more people do so , the more likely it is that the peak of the Prime Minister ’ s sombrero isn ’ t squashed soon , but spikes later .
Hence , we suspect , Jenny Harries ’ words yesterday .
It ’ s important to understand what the Deputy Chief Medical Officer actually said – which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for six months .
She said : “ over time , probably over the next six months , we will have a three week review , we will see where we ’ re going , we need to keep that lid on , and then gradually we will be able to hopefully adjust some of social distancing measures , and gradually get us all back to normal.
” “ So I think three weeks for review , two or three months to see whether we ’ ve really squashed it , but about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lots of uncertainty in that , but then to see at which point we can actually get back to normal , and it is plausible that it could go further than that , we just need to see how successful we ’ ve been.
” The sum of which suggests that , whatever the timing may be , the lockdown will be lifted gradually .
But her main aim was obvious : to keep people practising the social distancing measures – thus squashing that sombrero soon .
For if this doesn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the NHS comes later , the Government will face a terrible choice .
Which will be either to continue the present shutdown in full ( or even intensify it ) , which would risk collapsing the economy altogether .
Or to ease ( or even lift substantially ) the lockdown , which would mean further waves of pressure on the NHS , which would risk a coup de grace being dealt to the chin of a tottering service .
The good news is that if the Imperial College team , who are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( with an Oxford University team at the optimistic end ) , are now talking of a relatively early peak , that is suggestive .
If , and it ’ s a big if , they ’ re right , the worst will be over by May , assuming that the lockdown broadly holds – though it won ’ t feel as though that will be the case at all mid-April , as the NHS groans under maximum pressure .
At which point in late spring and early summer , much will depend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , on the progress of the virus abroad .
On the degree to which it is then being felt in , for example , the United States .

On the one hand, the Government must strain to stop the collapse of the NHS beneath the weight of Coronavirus patients. In such an event, it would be very unlikely to survive.
On the other, it must strive to halt the collapse of the economy beneath a mass of bust incomes. In such an event, it would be very unlikely to survive either.
The events of the last few days have seen Ministers working to the get the balance right – all the while being, as we’ve said before, like a man shooting blindfold at a moving target with a gun that may not work.
Last Thursday, Neil Ferguson, of the Imperial College team from which the Government is taking some of its advice, gave evidence to the Science and Technology Select Committee.
He said that “perhaps in three weeks we will start flattening the curve” and that he was “reasonably confident” that the NHS will cope.
Not being a politician, Ferguson was more straightforward than a Minister would have been (try to find one who has said the same), and his words risked sparking a bit of a media and social bush fire.
For the more talk there is of danger easing, the more temptation there is to flout the lockdown. And the more people do so, the more likely it is that the peak of the Prime Minister’s sombrero isn’t squashed soon, but spikes later.
Hence, we suspect, Jenny Harries’ words yesterday. It’s important to understand what the Deputy Chief Medical Officer actually said – which was not that the lockdown will last for six months.
She said: “over time, probably over the next six months, we will have a three week review, we will see where we’re going, we need to keep that lid on, and then gradually we will be able to hopefully adjust some of social distancing measures, and gradually get us all back to normal.”
“So I think three weeks for review, two or three months to see whether we’ve really squashed it, but about three to six months ideally, and lots of uncertainty in that, but then to see at which point we can actually get back to normal, and it is plausible that it could go further than that, we just need to see how successful we’ve been.”
The sum of which suggests that, whatever the timing may be, the lockdown will be lifted gradually. But her main aim was obvious: to keep people practising the social distancing measures – thus squashing that sombrero soon.
For if this doesn’t happen, and the peak of pressure on the NHS comes later, the Government will face a terrible choice.
Which will be either to continue the present shutdown in full (or even intensify it), which would risk collapsing the economy altogether.
Or to ease (or even lift substantially) the lockdown, which would mean further waves of pressure on the NHS, which would risk a coup de grace being dealt to the chin of a tottering service.
The good news is that if the Imperial College team, who are at the pessimistic end of the spectrum (with an Oxford University team at the optimistic end), are now talking of a relatively early peak, that is suggestive.
If, and it’s a big if, they’re right, the worst will be over by May, assuming that the lockdown broadly holds – though it won’t feel as though that will be the case at all mid-April, as the NHS groans under maximum pressure.
At which point in late spring and early summer, much will depend, both in economic and social terms, on the progress of the virus abroad. On the degree to which it is then being felt in, for example, the United States.
Source: Bitcoin Robot


Coronavirus Count

From the Government ’ s website Number of coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) cases and risk in the UK .
From the Government ’ s website Number of coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) cases and risk in the UK .
“ The risk to the UK has been raised to high ” – From the Government ’ s website Number of coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) cases and risk in the UK .
GOVERNMENT RULES ON STAYING AT HOME AND AWAY FROM OTHERS See here .
Published on Monday March 23 .
GUIDANCE : FURTHER BUSINESSES AND PREMISES TO CLOSE See here .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ EVERYONE CAN HELP STOP THE CORONAVIRUS ( SOCIAL DISTANCING ) See here .
Republished on Monday March 23 .
STAY AT HOME IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE CORONAVIRUS ( SELF-DISTANCING ) See here .
Republished on Monday March 23 .
See here .
Published on Monday March 23 .
GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE FOR WORKERS ON WHAT AND HOW THEY CAN CLAIM See here .
Published on Friday March 20 .
GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE FOR LANDLORDS , TENANTS AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES NEW See here .
Published on Saturday March 28 .
GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE ON WHAT THE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Published on Wednesday March 18 HOW TO AVOID CATCHING OR SPREADING CORONAVIRUS • Wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds .
• Always wash your hands when you get home or into work .
• Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available .
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve ( not your hands ) when you cough or sneeze .
• Put used tissues in the bin straight away and wash your hands afterwards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with people who are unwell .
The symptoms of coronavirus are : However , these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness .
The symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common , such as cold and flu .
NHS 111 has an online coronavirus service that can tell you if you need medical help and advise you what to do .
Use this service if : • You think you might have coronavirus .
• In the last 14 days you ’ ve been to a country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus – see the coronavirus advice for travellers .
• You ’ ve been in close contact with someone with coronavirus .
• In Scotland call your GP or NHS 24 on 111 out of hours .
• In Wales call 111 ( if available in your area ) or 0845 46 47 .
• Do not go to a GP surgery , pharmacy or hospital .
• What the coronavirus is , how it ’ s spread and how to avoid catching it – Government NHS website overview .
• Stay at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
( All information taken from Government sources .
Updated as of 7am on Monday 30th March . )

HEADLINE FACTS
Total number of lab-confirmed UK cases: 292,950 (Up from 291,409).
Total number of COVID-19 associated UK deaths: 41,481 (Up from 41,279).
Daily number of lab-confirmed UK cases: 1,541 (Up from 1,266).
Daily number of COVID-19 associated UK deaths: 202 (Up from 151).
England total cases: 156,410 (Up from 156,018 ).
England total deaths: 37,069 (Up from 36,883).
England death rate: 279.4 (Was 278.7).
Scotland total cases: 15,709 (Up from 15,682).
Scotland total deaths: 2,439 (Up from 2,434).
Scotland death rate: 288.9 (Was 288.4).
Wales total cases: 14,658 (Up from 14,581).
Wales total deaths: 1,435 (Up from 1,425).
Wales death rate: 467.0 (Was 464.6)
Northern Ireland total cases: 4,838 (Up from 4,822)
Northern Ireland total deaths: 538 (Up from 537).
Northern Ireland death rate: 257.1 (Was 256.3).
From the Government’s website Number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk in the UK.
DAILY NUMBER OF COVID-19 ASSOCIATED DEATHS BY DATE REPORTED
DAILY NUMBER OF LAB-CONFIRMED ENGLAND CASES
From the Government’s website Number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk in the UK.
– – –
RISK
“The risk to the UK has been raised to high” –
From the Government’s website Number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk in the UK.
– – –
NHS VOLUNTEER RESPONDER FORM
See here
(The Government’s scheme to recruit 250,000 volunteers.)
– – –
OUR PLAN TO REBUILD: THE UK GOVERNMENT’S COVID-19 RECOVERY STRATEGY
See here. New as of Monday May 11.
GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE ON THE LOCKDOWN.
See here. New as of Tuesday June 2.
GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE ON SHIELDING AND PROTECTING PEOPLE WHO ARE CLINICALLY EXTREMELY VULNERABLE FROM COVID-19
See here. New as of Tuesday June 2.
GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE ON SOCIAL DISTANCING
See here. New as of Tuesday June 2.
GOVERNMENT WEBSITE: GENERAL ADVICE
See here.
GOVERNMENT WEBSITE: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS. WHAT YOU CAN DO AND CAN’T DO
See here.
GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE FOR LANDLORDS, TENANTS AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES NEW
See here. Published on Saturday March 28.
– – –
HOW TO AVOID CATCHING OR SPREADING CORONAVIRUS
Wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds .
Always wash your hands when you get home or into work .
Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available .
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze .
Put used tissues in the bin straight away and wash your hands afterwards .
Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell.
SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of coronavirus are:
A cough.
A high temperature.
Shortness of breath.
However, these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness.
The symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and flu.
USING 111
NHS 111 has an online coronavirus service that can tell you if you need medical help and advise you what to do.
Use this service if:
You think you might have coronavirus.
In the last 14 days you’ve been to a country or area with a high risk of coronavirus – see the coronavirus advice for travellers.
You’ve been in close contact with someone with coronavirus.
In Scotland call your GP or NHS 24 on 111 out of hours.
In Wales call 111 (if available in your area) or 0845 46 47.
In Northern Ireland call 111.
Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
FURTHER LINKS TO GOVERNMENT ADVICE
– – –
(All information taken from Government sources.
Updated as of 19.00 on Friday June 12.)


conservativehome--2020-03-30--Richard Holden: Here in a Consett car park, social distancing from my voters as required, I mull why

Richard Holden: Here in a Consett car park, social distancing from my voters as required, I mull why it all feels different in County Durham.

What a fortnight it has been .
Last week , as Westminster wound down to an early recess , the talk from colleagues and the phone and email chatter from constituents was the same : “ bet you didn ’ t think this would be what we/you would be dealing with three months after being elected.
” They ’ re right .
I didn ’ t imagine that we ’ d be staring down the barrel of a global pandemic as we passed the first 100 days .
Members of Parliament are almost all naturally social creatures , and when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it feels like returning to be with friends : cisiting local businesses , holding surgeries , popping round to see people .
Instead , this time , I ’ m making a couple of notes for my column while sat in a car park with a boot full of shopping as I socially distance from the people who elected me , for at least the best part of a month and almost certainly much longer .
There is a sense that life has taken an odd turn .
But while the flood ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times as many ) of emails from constituents doesn ’ t cease , there is a strong sense of something different here is the constituency compared to when I was in Westminster last week .
“ What do you feel is different about North West Durham , compared to other places in the country ?
” is something I ’ ve been asked since I was elected , as another way of political people and journalists asking : “ why did it swing so hard away from Labour in your neck of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a real national crisis , a part of an international crisis , that question is one I reflected on as I perused the ( pretty full , except for dry pasta ) shelves of my local ‘ big ’ Tesco – as any fan of AFC Consett will know there ’ s also a little one in Blackhill .
Here , on the ground , away from the jostling for position and the ‘ flavour of the month ’ nature of the Westminster and London bubble , things are different .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for your family , but there is a broader aspiration for your community to succeed , too .
Ours is a pretty inclusive largely civic community based on place .
Somewhere where you can belong not only to a friendship group or network of mutual interests , but also to a community , a place , a county and a country .
The local response to Coronavirus reflects this , too .
It ’ s not just about you or even you and your family getting through , it ’ s about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together .
Dozens of local community networks sprang into action before central organisations even considered volunteering .
That ’ s not to say that there ’ s no-one who isn ’ t totally isolated – there are – there are just fewer , due to the nature of the community .
There is also a sense of something else , too , that is cutting through , especially since the broader social distancing measures a week ago .
The nation feeling like it is coming together .
There ’ s a commonality and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first time in a very long time .
A clear view of our national NHS getting resources to where there is need now , like the large temporary hospitals , in the knowledge that they will come to us if ( more likely when ) it gets worse in our area too .
What was astonishing to me last week was that , after repeatedly coughing across the dispatch box towards the Prime Minister , Health , Scottish and Home Secretaries on Wednesday , Jeremy Corbyn didn ’ t get it .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when the country and our NHS are stepping up to levels never seen before , Corbyn stepped into it .
His departure interview with the BBC showed a level of unearned self-regard and distain that I haven ’ t seen since I was a swaggering intellectually and morally superior teenager myself .
It was probably the worst television interview I have seen a politician give : attempting to use a moment of not only national crisis but of national fear to talk himself up left me dazed .
Adrian Mole with no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the party who had recently lost an election saying that the people were wrong and he was right .
Opposition should be so easy .
In crisis setting , you show you ’ re up to governing and support the Government where you can .
When you ’ re not in crisis , when the Government does something wrong or inept you show you ’ re better than them .
It ’ s simple .
However , Corbyn and his fellow travellers need to be right all the time .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the communities they represented for so long .
In order to get along as part of a local community or even a family , you ’ ve got to be willing to get along with people and win people over who you might often disagree with to a common cause .
For Corbyn and his acolytes , the common cause is their own sense of righteousness and no-one can be won over to that .
Within a month , we ’ ll have a new opposition .
Politically , if this crisis has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s that the governing party understands the people who elected it a damn sight better than the opposition who it rejected do .
To take over as an opposition leader at this time will be very challenging , but it will change the whole domestic dynamic .
We ’ ll see if the new Labour leader is able to put himself or herself into the shoes of their average voter Labour lost across North of England – they ’ ll either sink or swim pretty quickly .
If it ’ s the latter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we emerge from this crisis .
Finally , given my mum is currently working in an small community hospital and is having to self-isolate from my dad and grandma ( dad ’ s her carer ) I ’ d just like to add a little tribute to those who are working in the caring professions and ask everyone to # StayHomeSaveLives .

Richard Holden is MP for North West Durham.
Tesco Extra Car Park, Consett
What a fortnight it has been. Last week, as Westminster wound down to an early recess, the talk from colleagues and the phone and email chatter from constituents was the same: “bet you didn’t think this would be what we/you would be dealing with three months after being elected.” They’re right. I didn’t imagine that we’d be staring down the barrel of a global pandemic as we passed the first 100 days.
Members of Parliament are almost all naturally social creatures ,and when they return to their constituencies for most it feels like returning to be with friends: cisiting local businesses, holding surgeries, popping round to see people. Instead, this time, I’m making a couple of notes for my column while sat in a car park with a boot full of shopping as I socially distance from the people who elected me, for at least the best part of a month and almost certainly much longer.
There is a sense that life has taken an odd turn. But while the flood (we’re seeing three or four times as many) of emails from constituents doesn’t cease, there is a strong sense of something different here is the constituency compared to when I was in Westminster last week.
“What do you feel is different about North West Durham, compared to other places in the country?” is something I’ve been asked since I was elected, as another way of political people and journalists asking: “why did it swing so hard away from Labour in your neck of the woods?”
Now we’re in a real national crisis, a part of an international crisis, that question is one I reflected on as I perused the (pretty full, except for dry pasta) shelves of my local ‘big’ Tesco – as any fan of AFC Consett will know there’s also a little one in Blackhill.
Here, on the ground, away from the jostling for position and the ‘flavour of the month’ nature of the Westminster and London bubble, things are different. The aspiration is for success for yourself and for your family, but there is a broader aspiration for your community to succeed, too. Ours is a pretty inclusive largely civic community based on place. Somewhere where you can belong not only to a friendship group or network of mutual interests, but also to a community, a place, a county and a country.
The local response to Coronavirus reflects this, too. It’s not just about you or even you and your family getting through, it’s about the whole of local society coming through it together. Dozens of local community networks sprang into action before central organisations even considered volunteering. That’s not to say that there’s no-one who isn’t totally isolated – there are – there are just fewer, due to the nature of the community.
There is also a sense of something else, too, that is cutting through, especially since the broader social distancing measures a week ago. The nation feeling like it is coming together. There’s a commonality and national feeling about Downing Street for the first time in a very long time. A clear view of our national NHS getting resources to where there is need now, like the large temporary hospitals, in the knowledge that they will come to us if (more likely when) it gets worse in our area too.
What was astonishing to me last week was that, after repeatedly coughing across the dispatch box towards the Prime Minister, Health, Scottish and Home Secretaries on Wednesday, Jeremy Corbyn didn’t get it. At a moment when communities are stepping up, when the country and our NHS are stepping up to levels never seen before, Corbyn stepped into it.
His departure interview with the BBC showed a level of unearned self-regard and distain that I haven’t seen since I was a swaggering intellectually and morally superior teenager myself. It was probably the worst television interview I have seen a politician give: attempting to use a moment of not only national crisis but of national fear to talk himself up left me dazed. Adrian Mole with no redeeming features. Here was the leader of the party who had recently lost an election saying that the people were wrong and he was right.
Opposition should be so easy. In crisis setting, you show you’re up to governing and support the Government where you can. When you’re not in crisis, when the Government does something wrong or inept you show you’re better than them. It’s simple.
However, Corbyn and his fellow travellers need to be right all the time. It’s why they don’t understand the communities they represented for so long. In order to get along as part of a local community or even a family, you’ve got to be willing to get along with people and win people over who you might often disagree with to a common cause. For Corbyn and his acolytes, the common cause is their own sense of righteousness and no-one can be won over to that.
Within a month, we’ll have a new opposition. Politically, if this crisis has shown anything so far, it’s that the governing party understands the people who elected it a damn sight better than the opposition who it rejected do. To take over as an opposition leader at this time will be very challenging, but it will change the whole domestic dynamic. We’ll see if the new Labour leader is able to put himself or herself into the shoes of their average voter Labour lost across North of England – they’ll either sink or swim pretty quickly. If it’s the latter, politics will be very different when we emerge from this crisis.
Finally, given my mum is currently working in an small community hospital and is having to self-isolate from my dad and grandma (dad’s her carer) I’d just like to add a little tribute to those who are working in the caring professions and ask everyone to #StayHomeSaveLives.


conservativehome--2020-03-30--How effective will the push be to eliminate rough sleeping?

Among the many impacts of the Coronavirus crisis , one is that many hotels are sitting empty .
Another is that ending rough sleeping has additional importance , in order to prevent the spread of the disease .
The good news is that the first difficulty offers the potential to help with the second .
Luke Hall , the Minister for Local Government and Homelessness , has written to council leaders to outline the plan .
He says : “ Our strategy must be to bring in those on the streets to protect their health and stop wider transmission , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those in assessment centres and shelters that are unable to comply with social distancing advice .
This approach aims to reduce the impact of COVID-19 on people facing homelessness and ultimately on preventing deaths during this public health emergency .
Given the nature of the emergency , the priority is to ensure that the NHS and medical services are able to cope and we have built this strategy based on NHS medical guidance and support.
” As well as for those sleeping rough , it will seek alternative accommodation for “ those who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to self-isolate , such as shelters and assessment centres.
” Hall asks councils to proceed with “ urgently procuring accommodation for people on the streets if you have not already done so – MHCLG will support you to do so if you are struggling to procure sufficient units.
” Councils are also asked to “ get the social care basics such as food , and clinician care to people who need it in the self-contained accommodation .
It is likely that you will need to utilise your commissioned homeless services to provide support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urge you to work with the commissioned and non-commissioned sector to make sure there are adequate levels of support provided.
” They are also given responsibility for “ if possible , separating people who have significant drug and alcohol needs from those who do not.
” “ We know that this requires funding .
Last week , the Government announced £1.6bn for local authorities to respond to other COVID-19 pressures including for services helping the most vulnerable , including homeless people .
This grant will cover all costs incurred in the first phase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep future funding need under review .
To support our understanding of what authorities or additional funding is likely to be required we will be working with local authorities to develop an ongoing assessment of costs.
” “ Major hotel chains must play their part in supporting the vulnerable during the # coronavirus emergency .
Hotels that provide rooms for the # homeless or could do so , should remain open .
They are not being asked to close .
This is a national effort.
” A lot of progress has already been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mayor of London , together with the London boroughs and the Government , secured 300 hotel rooms in which rough sleepers can self-isolate over the coming weeks .
The deal is with Intercontinental Hotels Group , owners of Holiday Inn , to block-book the rooms in two London hotels for the next 12 weeks .
The Government had already announced in February to “ end the blight of rough sleeping.
” How effective will the initiative be ?
There are over 100,000 hotel rooms in London alone .
So only a very small @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might be concerned about the safety of their staff .
But that is why separating those with particular difficulties – mental illness , drug addiction , alcoholism – should help .
Obviously for the rough sleepers , getting the specialist help they need .
But also that the hotels willing to take those whose behaviour is “ challenging ” would be offered the extra help needed to ensure good order is maintained .
Nor will it be a great difficulty finding the rough sleepers .
Sometimes it is called a “ hidden ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the police and the Council housing teams – have “ engaged ” with rough sleepers and have a reasonable level of knowledge of their circumstances .
The biggest difficulty is likely to be with those who are resistant to being helped .
This is the point that is ignored by those who simply claim that the number sleeping rough shows that society , the Government , is “ uncaring.
” Each case is different .
The BBC interviewed Kris , a Big Issue vendor .
He is accepting hotel accommodation as he can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on with fall in the number of sales he can achieve .
They also spoke to Darren who is also taking up the offer of a bed for the night – but reluctantly , as it means being separated from his dog .
Danny Kruger , the Conservative MP for Devizes , tweets that every rough sleeper in Wiltshire has been contacted and all but three have accepted accommodation .
Wiltshire had 18 of them in the last “ snapshot ” .
So if Kruger ’ s figures are reflected elsewhere that would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many will stay in a hotel for a night or two but then decide to go back on the streets .
Should force be used for those who insist on continuing to sleep on park benches and alleyways ?
Such actions would make a compassionate policy that has broad support rather more authoritarian and controversial .
Nor would rounding up the rough sleepers be a role that the police would be likely to relish .
There is a more positive aspect to this .
Some of those who have been able to drift @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been sustained by being given money , food , or payments for the Big Issue .
With the streets empty and the income sources removed , a tough but better choice is being forced upon them .
In order to have food they are also going to have to agree to a bed to sleep in .
That may also set them on course to accept the more complicated assistance they need .
Perhaps for some of them , the Coronvirus crisis will mean that their personal crisis ends and a more @ @ @ @ @

Among the many impacts of the Coronavirus crisis, one is that many hotels are sitting empty. Another is that ending rough sleeping has additional importance, in order to prevent the spread of the disease. The good news is that the first difficulty offers the potential to help with the second.
Luke Hall, the Minister for Local Government and Homelessness, has written to council leaders to outline the plan. He says:
“Our strategy must be to bring in those on the streets to protect their health and stop wider transmission, particularly in hot spot areas, and those in assessment centres and shelters that are unable to comply with social distancing advice. This approach aims to reduce the impact of COVID-19 on people facing homelessness and ultimately on preventing deaths during this public health emergency. Given the nature of the emergency, the priority is to ensure that the NHS and medical services are able to cope and we have built this strategy based on NHS medical guidance and support.”
As well as for those sleeping rough, it will seek alternative accommodation for “those who are in accommodation where it is difficult to self-isolate, such as shelters and assessment centres.”
Hall asks councils to proceed with “urgently procuring accommodation for people on the streets if you have not already done so – MHCLG will support you to do so if you are struggling to procure sufficient units.” Councils are also asked to “get the social care basics such as food, and clinician care to people who need it in the self-contained accommodation. It is likely that you will need to utilise your commissioned homeless services to provide support to people in this accommodation and we urge you to work with the commissioned and non-commissioned sector to make sure there are adequate levels of support provided.” They are also given responsibility for “if possible, separating people who have significant drug and alcohol needs from those who do not.”
The Minister adds:
“We know that this requires funding. Last week, the Government announced £1.6bn for local authorities to respond to other COVID-19 pressures including for services helping the most vulnerable, including homeless people. This grant will cover all costs incurred in the first phase of the response, but we will keep future funding need under review. To support our understanding of what authorities or additional funding is likely to be required we will be working with local authorities to develop an ongoing assessment of costs.”
Robert Jenrick, the Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary tweets:
“Major hotel chains must play their part in supporting the vulnerable during the #coronavirus emergency. Hotels that provide rooms for the #homeless or could do so, should remain open. They are not being asked to close. This is a national effort.”
A lot of progress has already been made. Over a week ago the Mayor of London, together with the London boroughs and the Government, secured 300 hotel rooms in which rough sleepers can self-isolate over the coming weeks. The deal is with Intercontinental Hotels Group, owners of Holiday Inn, to block-book the rooms in two London hotels for the next 12 weeks.
The Government had already announced in February to “end the blight of rough sleeping.”
How effective will the initiative be? There are over 100,000 hotel rooms in London alone. So only a very small proportion would be needed. Some companies might be concerned about the safety of their staff. But that is why separating those with particular difficulties – mental illness, drug addiction, alcoholism – should help.
Obviously for the rough sleepers, getting the specialist help they need. But also that the hotels willing to take those whose behaviour is “challenging” would be offered the extra help needed to ensure good order is maintained.
Nor will it be a great difficulty finding the rough sleepers. Sometimes it is called a “hidden” problem. But mostly the authorities – the police and the Council housing teams – have “engaged” with rough sleepers and have a reasonable level of knowledge of their circumstances.
The biggest difficulty is likely to be with those who are resistant to being helped. This is the point that is ignored by those who simply claim that the number sleeping rough shows that society, the Government, is “uncaring.”
Each case is different. The BBC interviewed Kris, a Big Issue vendor. He is accepting hotel accommodation as he can’t get another money to live on with fall in the number of sales he can achieve. They also spoke to Darren who is also taking up the offer of a bed for the night – but reluctantly, as it means being separated from his dog.
Danny Kruger, the Conservative MP for Devizes, tweets that every rough sleeper in Wiltshire has been contacted and all but three have accepted accommodation. Wiltshire had 18 of them in the last “snapshot”.
So if Kruger’s figures are reflected elsewhere that would be encouraging. One unknown is how many will stay in a hotel for a night or two but then decide to go back on the streets.
Should force be used for those who insist on continuing to sleep on park benches and alleyways? Such actions would make a compassionate policy that has broad support rather more authoritarian and controversial. Nor would rounding up the rough sleepers be a role that the police would be likely to relish.
There is a more positive aspect to this. Some of those who have been able to drift along, living on the streets, have been sustained by being given money, food, or payments for the Big Issue. With the streets empty and the income sources removed, a tough but better choice is being forced upon them. In order to have food they are also going to have to agree to a bed to sleep in. That may also set them on course to accept the more complicated assistance they need. Perhaps for some of them, the Coronvirus crisis will mean that their personal crisis ends and a more fulfilled life can begin.


conservativehome--2020-03-30--Calling Conservatives: New public appointments announced. Board of the Office for Tax Simplication –

Calling Conservatives: New public appointments announced. Board of the Office for Tax Simplication – and more

Eight years ago , the TaxPayers ’ Alliance reported that “ in the last year , five times more Labour people were appointed to public bodies than Tories ” .
It currently reports that almost half of avowedly political appointees last year owed their allegiance to Labour Party , compared to less than a third for the Conservatives .
Despite the selection of some Party members or supporters to fill important posts , over time , the Conservatives have punched beneath their weight when it comes to public appointments .
One of the reasons seems to be that Tories simply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number as Labour supporters .
To help remedy this , each week we put up links to some of the main public appointments vacancies , so that qualified Conservatives can be aware of the opportunities presented .
“ The last few years have seen major changes to NHS Resolution ’ s role and standing in the system as a result of both its revised strategy and the new clinical negligence scheme for GPs .
It has been a pleasure and privilege to Chair the organisation through this period of significant change .
Although @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few years some of these changes are still at an early stage and need to be embedded , there is now a need to progress the development of our infrastructure to support the enhanced role and the NHS will continue to evolve .
I am sure therefore that the next Chair will also find the role both challenging and rewarding.
” “ The Office of Tax Simplification ( OTS ) provides the government with independent advice on simplifying the tax system , to make things easier for taxpayers .
The OTS Board is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cearns OBE ) and Tax Director ( Bill Dodwell ) and has representatives from HM Treasury and HMRC and up to four independent members , supported by a diverse staff team drawn from the civil service and the private sector , led by the OTS Head of Office David Halsey .
The four independent members of the OTS Board are currently Dame Teresa Graham , John Cullinane , Kathleen Russ and – until his recent resignation – Paul Johnson .
To support its work and further development , the OTS would like to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to join its Board as one of its independent members.
” “ Science , technology and demography are changing the way health care services are provided and this has implications for the education and training of the future workforce .
The World Health Organisation ( WHO ) are predicting worldwide shortages of doctors and nurses .
These developments provide the context for the work of HEE over the next few years .
How do we use finite resources most effectively to ensure that we have the right people in the right place with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to these developments ?
This is an exciting and fundamentally important task and our purpose is to improve the quality and safety of healthcare through the development , education and training of the current and future workforce.
” “ The Office of the Complaints Commissioner is headed by the Financial Regulators Complaints Commissioner ( the Commissioner ) who is a statutory appointment required under the Financial Services Act 2012 .
This is a senior position and , whilst the appointment is made by the regulators , it is an independent role , subject @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current Commissioner carries out his duties through a company limited by guarantee ( Office of the Complaints Commissioner ) from premises based in the City of London .
He is assisted by three staff .
The Commissioner ’ s role is to review independently complaints about the actions or inactions of the UK ’ s current financial services regulators , the Financial Conduct Authority , the Prudential Regulation Authority and the Bank of England ( but only in respect of its oversight of the banking clearing houses and payment schemes ) .
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level with judicial salaries , pro-rated as appropriate.
” “ The Prudential Regulation Committee ( PRC ) governs the Prudential Regulation Authority ( PRA ) which is responsible for the prudential regulation of banks , building societies , other deposit takers , insurance companies and certain investment firms .
Chaired by the Governor , and accountable to Parliament , the PRC takes the most significant and high impact supervisory decisions .
It is responsible for overseeing and holding to account the PRA ’ s strategy and policy making functions , and for setting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also adopts the budget of the PRA.The Government is seeking to appoint up to three external members to fill vacancies which arise from retirements in 2020/21 .
These are high profile and influential roles .
Appointees will be independent and will not represent or lobby for individual groups , interests or sectors.
” Time : “ The PRC meets 15 to 20 times a year .
The nature of the role will require flexibility.
” “ Having celebrated our 156 year anniversary last year , we are looking forward to the challenge of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ natural haven on the east coast of England .
We cover an area across the River Stour , the lower part of the River Orwell , Harwich Harbour and an area seaward extending 12 nautical miles from the harbour entrance .
We provide services for shipping using the commercial ports of Felixstowe , Ipswich , Harwich International , Harwich Navyard and Mistley and also pilot boarding and landing services for the rivers Thames , Medway , Blackwater , Colne and Crouch .
Our vision is to be an exemplary Trust Port offering world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a flourishing Haven.
” “ This is an opportunity to take on an intellectually demanding role at the heart of international financial services , leading a sizeable and complex organisation .
There is a requirement for strong leadership in a challenging environment to undertake a critically important role .
Under Andrew Bailey , the FCA has formulated a transformation programme , to equip the organisation for the next phase of its development : a data strategy and enhanced analytical skills to rapidly identify harm across an exceptionally broad range of firms of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and distribution to target consumers ; enhance employee capabilities and processes to act swiftly on the harms identified ; [ and ] and with a regulatory framework which is appropriate following the completion of EU withdrawal , and which takes advantage of the opportunities for better and more efficient regulation brought by technology and behavioural science .
”

Eight years ago, the TaxPayers’ Alliance reported that “in the last year, five times more Labour people were appointed to public bodies than Tories”.
It currently reports that almost half of avowedly political appointees last year owed their allegiance to Labour Party, compared to less than a third for the Conservatives.
Despite the selection of some Party members or supporters to fill important posts, over time, the Conservatives have punched beneath their weight when it comes to public appointments. One of the reasons seems to be that Tories simply don’t apply in the same number as Labour supporters.
To help remedy this, each week we put up links to some of the main public appointments vacancies, so that qualified Conservatives can be aware of the opportunities presented.
– – – – – – – – – –
NHS Resolution – Chair
“The last few years have seen major changes to NHS Resolution’s role and standing in the system as a result of both its revised strategy and the new clinical negligence scheme for GPs. It has been a pleasure and privilege to Chair the organisation through this period of significant change. Although the course is set for the next few years some of these changes are still at an early stage and need to be embedded, there is now a need to progress the development of our infrastructure to support the enhanced role and the NHS will continue to evolve. I am sure therefore that the next Chair will also find the role both challenging and rewarding.”
Time: 2-3 days per week.
Remuneration: £63,000 per annum.
Closes: 06 April
– – – – – – – – – –
Office of Tax Simplification – Board Member
“The Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) provides the government with independent advice on simplifying the tax system, to make things easier for taxpayers. The OTS Board is led by an independent Chair (Kathryn Cearns OBE) and Tax Director (Bill Dodwell) and has representatives from HM Treasury and HMRC and up to four independent members, supported by a diverse staff team drawn from the civil service and the private sector, led by the OTS Head of Office David Halsey. The four independent members of the OTS Board are currently Dame Teresa Graham, John Cullinane, Kathleen Russ and – until his recent resignation – Paul Johnson. To support its work and further development, the OTS would like to identify an exceptional individual with relevant experience to join its Board as one of its independent members.”
Time: Approx. 10 days per annum.
Remuneration: “Reasonable expenses”.
Closes: 06 April
– – – – – – – – – –
Health Education England – Non-Executive Director
“Science, technology and demography are changing the way health care services are provided and this has implications for the education and training of the future workforce. The World Health Organisation (WHO) are predicting worldwide shortages of doctors and nurses. These developments provide the context for the work of HEE over the next few years. How do we use finite resources most effectively to ensure that we have the right people in the right place with the right skills and knowledge to respond to these developments? This is an exciting and fundamentally important task and our purpose is to improve the quality and safety of healthcare through the development, education and training of the current and future workforce.”
Time: 2-3 days per month.
Remuneration: £7,883 per annum.
Closes: 07 April
– – – – – – – – – –
HM Treasury – Financial Regulators Complaints Commissioner
“The Office of the Complaints Commissioner is headed by the Financial Regulators Complaints Commissioner (the Commissioner) who is a statutory appointment required under the Financial Services Act 2012. This is a senior position and, whilst the appointment is made by the regulators, it is an independent role, subject to approval by HM Treasury. The current Commissioner carries out his duties through a company limited by guarantee (Office of the Complaints Commissioner) from premises based in the City of London. He is assisted by three staff. The Commissioner’s role is to review independently complaints about the actions or inactions of the UK’s current financial services regulators, the Financial Conduct Authority, the Prudential Regulation Authority and the Bank of England (but only in respect of its oversight of the banking clearing houses and payment schemes).”
Time: Est. three days per week.
Remuneration: “Remuneration is on a level with judicial salaries, pro-rated as appropriate.”
Closes: 13 April
– – – – – – – – – –
HM Treasury – External Member to the Prudential Regulation Committee
“The Prudential Regulation Committee (PRC) governs the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) which is responsible for the prudential regulation of banks, building societies, other deposit takers, insurance companies and certain investment firms. Chaired by the Governor, and accountable to Parliament, the PRC takes the most significant and high impact supervisory decisions. It is responsible for overseeing and holding to account the PRA’s strategy and policy making functions, and for setting the levy on regulated firms. It also adopts the budget of the PRA.The Government is seeking to appoint up to three external members to fill vacancies which arise from retirements in 2020/21. These are high profile and influential roles. Appointees will be independent and will not represent or lobby for individual groups, interests or sectors.”
Time: “The PRC meets 15 to 20 times a year. The nature of the role will require flexibility.”
Remuneration: £108,300 per annum.
Closes: 15 April
– – – – – – – – – –
Harwich Haven Authority – Non-Executive Chair
“Having celebrated our 156 year anniversary last year, we are looking forward to the challenge of strengthening our role in safeguarding the best natural haven on the east coast of England. We cover an area across the River Stour, the lower part of the River Orwell, Harwich Harbour and an area seaward extending 12 nautical miles from the harbour entrance. We provide services for shipping using the commercial ports of Felixstowe, Ipswich, Harwich International, Harwich Navyard and Mistley and also pilot boarding and landing services for the rivers Thames, Medway, Blackwater, Colne and Crouch. Our vision is to be an exemplary Trust Port offering world class services, working with all stakeholders for a flourishing Haven.”
Time: 20 days per annum.
Remuneration: £37,000 per annum.
Closes: 17 April
– – – – – – – – – –
Financial Conduct Authority – Chief Executive
“This is an opportunity to take on an intellectually demanding role at the heart of international financial services, leading a sizeable and complex organisation. There is a requirement for strong leadership in a challenging environment to undertake a critically important role. Under Andrew Bailey, the FCA has formulated a transformation programme, to equip the organisation for the next phase of its development: a data strategy and enhanced analytical skills to rapidly identify harm across an exceptionally broad range of firms of all sizes exploiting fast-moving changes in technology and distribution to target consumers; enhance employee capabilities and processes to act swiftly on the harms identified; [and] and with a regulatory framework which is appropriate following the completion of EU withdrawal, and which takes advantage of the opportunities for better and more efficient regulation brought by technology and behavioural science.”
Time: Full-time.
Remuneration: Competitive.
Closes: 24 April


conservativehome--2020-03-29--WATCH: “There’s nothing we can’t do as an independent nation that being part of that scheme would ha

WATCH: “There’s nothing we can’t do as an independent nation that being part of that scheme would have allowed us to do”, says Gove

# Marr : Why has n't UK taken part in EU ventilator scheme ?
Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove says @ @ @ @ @ '' over the issue , but adds there 's `` nothing we ca n't do @ @ @ @ @ that being part of the scheme would 've allowed https : //t.co/5rLolHje6B pic.twitter.com/FyKUCgJj2P

#Marr: Why hasn't UK taken part in EU ventilator scheme?
Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove says there was "some confusion" over the issue, but adds there's "nothing we can't do as an independent nation" that being part of the scheme would've allowed https://t.co/5rLolHje6B pic.twitter.com/FyKUCgJj2P
— BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) March 29, 2020


conservativehome--2020-03-29--WATCH: Ashworth – “There are many non-essential workers being forced to go to their workplaces”

`` There are many non-essential workers being forced to go to their workplaces '' where they can not be 2m @ @ @ @ @ Ashworth tells # Marr government needs to be `` crystal clear '' about which work @ @ @ @ @ is nothttps : //t.co/4Wq3qpUcoM # Covid_19 pic.twitter.com/ThImk3jDUK

"There are many non-essential workers being forced to go to their workplaces" where they cannot be 2m apart
Shadow health secretary Jon Ashworth tells #Marr government needs to be "crystal clear" about which work is essential, and which is nothttps://t.co/4Wq3qpUcoM #Covid_19 pic.twitter.com/ThImk3jDUK
— BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) March 29, 2020


conservativehome--2020-03-29--WATCH: Labour’s leadership candidates been asked to film victory videos, reports Long-Bailey

`` It 's going to be a bit bizarre .
`` @ RLong_Bailey confirms that due to restrictions during the @ @ @ @ @ contenders have all been asked to film victory speeches in case they win the contest.
@ @

"It's going to be a bit bizarre."@RLong_Bailey confirms that due to restrictions during the #coronavirus outbreak Labour leadership contenders have all been asked to film victory speeches in case they win the contest.#Ridge
Read more: https://t.co/hzbNys0QQR pic.twitter.com/ovpGA8NuFf
— Sophy Ridge on Sunday (@RidgeOnSunday) March 29, 2020


conservativehome--2020-03-29--WATCH: Blair says there’s no reason why Johnson shouldn’t be able to run the country virtually

`` It 's perfectly possible to do that , it depends how ill he is '' Former PM Tony Blair @ @ @ @ @ Johnson can run the country isolated in his Downing St flat – but in a @ @ @ @ @ how you source equipment , how you make systems move fast '' .
# Ridge @

"It's perfectly possible to do that, it depends how ill he is"
Former PM Tony Blair tells @SophyRidgeSky that Boris Johnson can run the country isolated in his Downing St flat – but in a crisis what matters is "how you source equipment, how you make systems move fast".#Ridge pic.twitter.com/NTK3jcqw3D
— Sophy Ridge on Sunday (@RidgeOnSunday) March 29, 2020


conservativehome--2020-03-31--James Frayne: Public opinion is solidly behind the Government – for the time being, at least.

James Frayne is Director of Public First and author of Meet the People , a guide to moving public opinion .
There are two main groups of critics of the Government ’ s strategy to contain the Coronavirus : those that say the Government is wrongly curtailing our civil liberties ; and those that say the Government risks wrecking the economy with the lockdown .
Both groups are currently politically weak ; and only the second group has any realistic chance of changing Government policy .
As it stands , the Government is seen to be doing a very good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lockdown – and clear majorities are in favour of a greater police presence , and even an army presence , on the streets to enforce it ( although the police are doing their best to undermine this support with some extraordinary behaviour ) .
This seems to be for three main reasons : most importantly and obviously , because people are worried about their old and vulnerable family members getting it , as well as themselves ; because , now we ’ ve gone down this route , we should at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re not stuck in a sort of semi-lockdown forever ; and , in terms of tougher enforcement , because people can ’ t stand some people ignoring the rules that the rest of us are playing by .
People are aware that their civil liberties are being curtailed , but they ’ re currently content with this ; only a very small minority believe their civil liberties are being wrongly infringed .
For the most part , people are essentially volunteering to stay at home .
The vast majority of people don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t want others to go out either .
To date , the conversation in politics and the media has been understandably primarily focused on the public health aspect of the virus , rather than the existing and potential economic impact .
As such , while polls suggest the public expect a serious economic downturn , they also suggest that most people aren ’ t yet obsessing about the potential impact on their lives .
Of course , immediate fears are very audible from the self-employed above all , and from business owners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the public at large .
Again , this mainly reflects the fact that people are overwhelmingly worried about public health at this point .
But it likely also reflects the success the Government has had in communicating its worker support programme ; people feel like they will be looked after .
The Government rightly judged that people , perfectly reasonably , will think first of all , and overwhelmingly , about their own wages .
It seems impossible that this relative quiet about the economy will continue for long .
For while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people in the private sector on PAYE about their salaries , many businesses will have to lay off staff regardless of the help the Government is offering if they have no money coming in ; and the Government is offering support to keep staff on , they are obviously not banning firms from laying people off .
Even though the Government ’ s support for employees ’ wages is welcome , plummeting revenue will wipe this benefit out and more .
If businesses have no money – and yet still have to pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support to daily expenses – then they just have no money .
Many will start laying people off , and many will go bust .
Even the most prudent firms generally only keep three months operating costs in their bank account ; a long lockdown eats into this very fast .
In such a climate , a comprehensive lockdown of the scale we ’ re now seeing isn ’ t sustainable .
There is another issue , of course , that hasn ’ t yet been discussed .
This is the extent to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being kept in isolation .
Again , the polling suggests that people don ’ t view this as a problem at this point and say they ’ re feeling positive about isolation , but the media are beginning to report some of the darker things that are going on behind all those closed doors .
Related to this , we will likely start to see a rise in general health problems as the NHS focuses on the impact of the virus .
This will also add to pressure for change .
Public opinion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strategy it has laid out but , in the environment of a lockdown , where days feel like weeks , and weeks feel like months , things could change quickly .
People will always put health first , but they will start to call for serious mitigating action to protect the economy when the first signs of high-profile business closures are seen .
There were suggestions this week that the lockdown could continue for six months .
Very few businesses could survive a lockdown of the type we ’ re currently in for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown will have to be more focused .

James Frayne is Director of Public First and author of Meet the People, a guide to moving public opinion.
There are two main groups of critics of the Government’s strategy to contain the Coronavirus: those that say the Government is wrongly curtailing our civil liberties; and those that say the Government risks wrecking the economy with the lockdown. Both groups are currently politically weak; and only the second group has any realistic chance of changing Government policy.
As it stands, the Government is seen to be doing a very good job. It has overwhelming support for the lockdown – and clear majorities are in favour of a greater police presence, and even an army presence, on the streets to enforce it (although the police are doing their best to undermine this support with some extraordinary behaviour).
This seems to be for three main reasons: most importantly and obviously, because people are worried about their old and vulnerable family members getting it, as well as themselves; because, now we’ve gone down this route, we should at least do it properly, so we’re not stuck in a sort of semi-lockdown forever; and, in terms of tougher enforcement, because people can’t stand some people ignoring the rules that the rest of us are playing by.
People are aware that their civil liberties are being curtailed, but they’re currently content with this; only a very small minority believe their civil liberties are being wrongly infringed. For the most part, people are essentially volunteering to stay at home. The vast majority of people don’t want to go out and don’t want others to go out either.
To date, the conversation in politics and the media has been understandably primarily focused on the public health aspect of the virus, rather than the existing and potential economic impact. As such, while polls suggest the public expect a serious economic downturn, they also suggest that most people aren’t yet obsessing about the potential impact on their lives.
Of course, immediate fears are very audible from the self-employed above all, and from business owners, but they’re not audible from the public at large. Again, this mainly reflects the fact that people are overwhelmingly worried about public health at this point. But it likely also reflects the success the Government has had in communicating its worker support programme; people feel like they will be looked after. The Government rightly judged that people, perfectly reasonably, will think first of all, and overwhelmingly, about their own wages.
It seems impossible that this relative quiet about the economy will continue for long. For while the Government has reassured the mass of people in the private sector on PAYE about their salaries, many businesses will have to lay off staff regardless of the help the Government is offering if they have no money coming in; and the Government is offering support to keep staff on, they are obviously not banning firms from laying people off.
Even though the Government’s support for employees’ wages is welcome, plummeting revenue will wipe this benefit out and more. If businesses have no money – and yet still have to pay for everything from renting premises to accountancy support to daily expenses – then they just have no money.
Many will start laying people off, and many will go bust. Even the most prudent firms generally only keep three months operating costs in their bank account; a long lockdown eats into this very fast. In such a climate, a comprehensive lockdown of the scale we’re now seeing isn’t sustainable.
There is another issue, of course, that hasn’t yet been discussed. This is the extent to which social problems emerge because of people being kept in isolation. Again, the polling suggests that people don’t view this as a problem at this point and say they’re feeling positive about isolation, but the media are beginning to report some of the darker things that are going on behind all those closed doors. Related to this, we will likely start to see a rise in general health problems as the NHS focuses on the impact of the virus. This will also add to pressure for change.
Public opinion is solidly behind the Government and the strategy it has laid out but, in the environment of a lockdown, where days feel like weeks, and weeks feel like months, things could change quickly. People will always put health first, but they will start to call for serious mitigating action to protect the economy when the first signs of high-profile business closures are seen. There were suggestions this week that the lockdown could continue for six months. Very few businesses could survive a lockdown of the type we’re currently in for that period of time. A sustained lockdown will have to be more focused.


conservativehome--2020-03-31--Calling Conservatives: New public appointments announced. Board of the Office for Tax Simplication –


conservativehome--2020-03-31--Johnson as Churchill. How’s he doing?

Johnson as Churchill. How’s he doing?

If Coronavirus deaths come in at the malign end of the scale , it ’ s possible that Boris Johnson won ’ t survive .
If they come in at the benign end , he almost certainly will .
His fate will depend on mortalities , rates and trends as well as action , provision and , as ever , luck .
He must walk the razor-edge wire between the potential collapse of the NHS , on one side , and that of the entire economy , on the other .
“ I felt as if I were walking with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life had been but a preparation for this hour and for this trial , ” Churchill wrote of becoming Prime Minister .
He led Britain through a national emergency of one kind ; Johnson is leading it through a very different one .
The Prime Minister himself has invited parallels with Churchill by the act of writing a book about him .
How ’ s he doing ?
The first point to make is that Churchill had long warned of the nazi menace , and was appointed as Prime Minister expressly to deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for reasons that have nothing whatsoever to do with the virus : to get Brexit done .
Churchill , as he later put it , “ had the luck to be called upon to give the roar ” .
Johnson is more than capable of turning a phrase himself , though his natural vein is not so much walking with destiny as winking at destiny .
Unable to crack jokes and make puns during this crisis , at least most of the time , he has occasionally looked at sea .
This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it be like to have a Prime Minister who actually relished announcing a lockdown ?
“ Bring in the police ?
” he asked , clearly gobsmacked , at a press conference in response to a question – only to do so reluctantly a few days later .
Some of very same people who , only a few weeks ago , were denouncing Johnson as a Bannonite monster , a would-be Orban-style aggrandiser of power , were last week clamouring for the shutdown – and , by extension , the sweeping emergency powers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a reminder that the Prime Minister is a liberal .
So much for rhetoric ; what about decisions ?
ConHome has spoken to some of those working alongside him and can report the following : “ he ’ s knackered ” ( this was before he caught the virus ) ; “ he ’ s plainly not enjoying it at all ” ; “ his majority is like capital in the bank , and he ’ s not frightened ” .
“ Some politicians are just a bit too highly-strung to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insider said .
“ If Keith Joseph had been in charge , he ’ d have lost lots of sleep .
Boris isn ’ t losing any : when push comes to shove , he ’ s a tough bastard.
” A Prime Minister must be able to make decisions .
Johnson clearly has no trouble doing so .
And for all his unhappiness at finding himself enmeshed in Coronavirus , he has risen to the occasion when it has really mattered – in his broadcast to the nation , the most watched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After the shutdown ends , as it gradually will ; and after there is or isn ’ t a second wave ; and after , in all probability , a vaccine arrives , there will doubtless be an enquiry into government ’ s preparations for pandemics in general , and this one ’ s response to the virus in particular .
Johnson won ’ t really have to answer for the former – after all , he has been Prime Minister for less than a year – though he will have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on tests , ventilators and equipment ( and of course the lockdown ) .
The media is taking a critical view , but voters seem to be more indulgent , at least at the moment .
The Conservatives are polling above 50 per cent .
Some surveys are pushing Johnson up to near Churchillian ratings .
Perhaps the simplest way of mulling the Prime Minister ’ s performance is the best .
Those who have always liked him still like him .
Those who have hated him since the EU referendum , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election result , hate him still .
Most people are fair-minded , recognise the infernal pressures that Ministers are under , and are giving him the benefit of the doubt – especially now that he has gone down ill himself .
That ’ s as it should be .

If Coronavirus deaths come in at the malign end of the scale, it’s possible that Boris Johnson won’t survive. If they come in at the benign end, he almost certainly will. His fate will depend on mortalities, rates and trends as well as action, provision and, as ever, luck. He must walk the razor-edge wire between the potential collapse of the NHS, on one side, and that of the entire economy, on the other.
“I felt as if I were walking with destiny, and that all my past life had been but a preparation for this hour and for this trial,” Churchill wrote of becoming Prime Minister. He led Britain through a national emergency of one kind; Johnson is leading it through a very different one. The Prime Minister himself has invited parallels with Churchill by the act of writing a book about him. How’s he doing?
The first point to make is that Churchill had long warned of the nazi menace, and was appointed as Prime Minister expressly to deal with it. Johnson came to office for reasons that have nothing whatsoever to do with the virus: to get Brexit done.
Churchill, as he later put it, “had the luck to be called upon to give the roar”. Johnson is more than capable of turning a phrase himself, though his natural vein is not so much walking with destiny as winking at destiny. Unable to crack jokes and make puns during this crisis, at least most of the time, he has occasionally looked at sea.
This is greatly to his credit. What would it be like to have a Prime Minister who actually relished announcing a lockdown? “Bring in the police?” he asked, clearly gobsmacked, at a press conference in response to a question – only to do so reluctantly a few days later.
Some of very same people who, only a few weeks ago, were denouncing Johnson as a Bannonite monster, a would-be Orban-style aggrandiser of power, were last week clamouring for the shutdown – and, by extension, the sweeping emergency powers that have come with it. Coronavirus is a reminder that the Prime Minister is a liberal.
So much for rhetoric; what about decisions? ConHome has spoken to some of those working alongside him and can report the following: “he’s knackered” (this was before he caught the virus); “he’s plainly not enjoying it at all”; “his majority is like capital in the bank, and he’s not frightened”.
“Some politicians are just a bit too highly-strung to do well at the top,” one insider said. “If Keith Joseph had been in charge, he’d have lost lots of sleep. Boris isn’t losing any: when push comes to shove, he’s a tough bastard.” A Prime Minister must be able to make decisions. Johnson clearly has no trouble doing so.
And for all his unhappiness at finding himself enmeshed in Coronavirus, he has risen to the occasion when it has really mattered – in his broadcast to the nation, the most watched event since the London Olympics closing ceremony.
After the shutdown ends, as it gradually will; and after there is or isn’t a second wave; and after, in all probability, a vaccine arrives, there will doubtless be an enquiry into government’s preparations for pandemics in general, and this one’s response to the virus in particular.
Johnson won’t really have to answer for the former – after all, he has been Prime Minister for less than a year – though he will have to account for his Government’s response on tests, ventilators and equipment (and of course the lockdown). The media is taking a critical view, but voters seem to be more indulgent, at least at the moment. The Conservatives are polling above 50 per cent. Some surveys are pushing Johnson up to near Churchillian ratings.
Perhaps the simplest way of mulling the Prime Minister’s performance is the best. Those who have always liked him still like him. Those who have hated him since the EU referendum, and were infuriated further by December’s election result, hate him still. Most people are fair-minded, recognise the infernal pressures that Ministers are under, and are giving him the benefit of the doubt – especially now that he has gone down ill himself. That’s as it should be.


Coronavirus Count

From the Government ’ s website Number of coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) cases and risk in the UK .
From the Government ’ s website Number of coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) cases and risk in the UK .
“ The risk to the UK has been raised to high ” – From the Government ’ s website Number of coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) cases and risk in the UK .
GOVERNMENT RULES ON STAYING AT HOME AND AWAY FROM OTHERS See here .
Published on Monday March 23 .
GUIDANCE : FURTHER BUSINESSES AND PREMISES TO CLOSE See here .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ EVERYONE CAN HELP STOP THE CORONAVIRUS ( SOCIAL DISTANCING ) See here .
Republished on Monday March 23 .
STAY AT HOME IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE CORONAVIRUS ( SELF-DISTANCING ) See here .
Republished on Monday March 23 .
See here .
Published on Monday March 23 .
GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE FOR WORKERS ON WHAT AND HOW THEY CAN CLAIM See here .
Published on Friday March 20 .
GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE FOR LANDLORDS , TENANTS AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES NEW See here .
Published on Saturday March 28 .
GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE ON WHAT THE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Published on Wednesday March 18 HOW TO AVOID CATCHING OR SPREADING CORONAVIRUS • Wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds .
• Always wash your hands when you get home or into work .
• Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available .
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve ( not your hands ) when you cough or sneeze .
• Put used tissues in the bin straight away and wash your hands afterwards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with people who are unwell .
The symptoms of coronavirus are : However , these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness .
The symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common , such as cold and flu .
NHS 111 has an online coronavirus service that can tell you if you need medical help and advise you what to do .
Use this service if : • You think you might have coronavirus .
• In the last 14 days you ’ ve been to a country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus – see the coronavirus advice for travellers .
• You ’ ve been in close contact with someone with coronavirus .
• In Scotland call your GP or NHS 24 on 111 out of hours .
• In Wales call 111 ( if available in your area ) or 0845 46 47 .
• Do not go to a GP surgery , pharmacy or hospital .
• What the coronavirus is , how it ’ s spread and how to avoid catching it – Government NHS website overview .
• Stay at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
( All information taken from Government sources .
Updated as of 7am on Tuesday 31st March . )


conservativehome--2020-03-31--Ian Courts: Coming together in the West Midlands to beat this crisis

Cllr Ian Courts is the Leader of Solihull Council A week may well be a long time in politics , but what a week this has been .
We have seen nothing like the Covid-19 crisis since the war – and its effect on health , lives , the economy , and delivery of public services is unprecedented .
By the time anyone reads this article , the situation will have changed yet again , new measures will have been announced , local government and our community partners will be at the forefront of action being taken .
The fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forecast exactly how long this will last , and we are having to make preparations accordingly .
In common with other councils , Solihull Council has had to take dramatic action , like closing libraries , leisure centres , and suspension of a number of its services – and stopping public meetings .
The council provides a range of different functions and is having to prioritise which services it continues to operate .
Some at the frontline , such as waste collection , are vital .
Staff resources are already savaged by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many are having to be redeployed to meet new demands .
Thankfully , our officer teams are responding wonderfully and are a real credit to the people they serve .
In the West Midlands , there has been extraordinary coordination between councils and essential services to deal with the emergency before us .
Solihull Officers have been in the forefront of activity .
My own officers at Solihull Council are doing their utmost , in trying circumstances , with many having to work from home , because they are at risk and regrettably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ therefore have to self-isolate .
The illness itself and the effect on individuals is tragic , but the other serious consequence of the pandemic is the economic havoc it is wreaking , with jobs and businesses being devastated .
Thankfully , the government has ramped up its support and , in the West Midlands , Mayor Andy Street has taken the lead in bringing the stakeholders of business and the public sector together , getting feedback on the effect the crisis is having , measures taken , and what else might be needed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school closures , the focus for the coming days will be on the steps needed to be taken for those children who are vulnerable or whose parents are critical to the Covid-19 response .
Plans will need to be put in place with partners to ensure the most vulnerable in our communities , especially those requiring specialist care , can be supported through this pandemic .
This is a huge undertaking , but I am confident we can keep our people safe and well , with the support of our communities .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to what central and local government can do to support people through a crisis such as this .
Ultimately , we all have to take responsibility and pull together to support one another at this difficult time .
This can simply involve checking on vulnerable neighbours , family and friends .
In Solihull , we are blessed with strong communities across the borough , from our more urban north and west to our rural south .
As the Coronavirus pandemic marches forward , our Council are thankful for our communities who are helping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone who for health or work reasons may be self-isolating .
As I think we are all beginning to realise , it is now necessary to adjust to a new way of living and working .
I have a fear that those who are self-isolating will , in a real sense , become ” isolated ” .
At some point , I suspect boredom is likely to cause people to break their self-isolation and social distancing , which may be dangerous for themselves and others .
If the experience of other countries is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be some time before we can lead the lives we did , but a few short months ago .
One thing that I worry about is the issue of communications , which has changed massively in recent years , with local newspapers being less important in this digital age .
I have had a veritable torrent of emails telling me what various organisations are doing to combat this invisible enemy .
However , this crisis is most lethal for the seniors amongst us , who are often less digitally connected , and now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
When we get through all this – and as the PM says – we will , we need to give much greater thought to elevating the importance of digital inclusion , lack of which is a major factor in loneliness and isolation .
One final point , sadly , there are people out there who already see Covid-19 as an opportunity to prey on the vulnerable .
We all now need to pass on the message to take extra care with cyber-security ; double-check that any unannounced visitors are really who they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legitimate , they will be happy to allow their credentials to be verified with their organisation .
I wish good health to all .

Cllr Ian Courts is the Leader of Solihull Council
A week may well be a long time in politics, but what a week this has been. We have seen nothing like the Covid-19 crisis since the war – and its effect on health, lives, the economy, and delivery of public services is unprecedented. By the time anyone reads this article, the situation will have changed yet again, new measures will have been announced, local government and our community partners will be at the forefront of action being taken. The fact is that no one is able to forecast exactly how long this will last, and we are having to make preparations accordingly.
In common with other councils, Solihull Council has had to take dramatic action, like closing libraries, leisure centres, and suspension of a number of its services – and stopping public meetings. The council provides a range of different functions and is having to prioritise which services it continues to operate. Some at the frontline, such as waste collection, are vital. Staff resources are already savaged by the requirement for self-isolation and sickness, and many are having to be redeployed to meet new demands. Thankfully, our officer teams are responding wonderfully and are a real credit to the people they serve.
In the West Midlands, there has been extraordinary coordination between councils and essential services to deal with the emergency before us. Solihull Officers have been in the forefront of activity. My own officers at Solihull Council are doing their utmost, in trying circumstances, with many having to work from home, because they are at risk and regrettably some are reporting potential Covid-19 symptoms and therefore have to self-isolate.
The illness itself and the effect on individuals is tragic, but the other serious consequence of the pandemic is the economic havoc it is wreaking, with jobs and businesses being devastated. Thankfully, the government has ramped up its support and, in the West Midlands, Mayor Andy Street has taken the lead in bringing the stakeholders of business and the public sector together, getting feedback on the effect the crisis is having, measures taken, and what else might be needed from government.
Following the announcement of school closures, the focus for the coming days will be on the steps needed to be taken for those children who are vulnerable or whose parents are critical to the Covid-19 response. Plans will need to be put in place with partners to ensure the most vulnerable in our communities, especially those requiring specialist care, can be supported through this pandemic. This is a huge undertaking, but I am confident we can keep our people safe and well, with the support of our communities.
We must never forget that there are limits to what central and local government can do to support people through a crisis such as this. Ultimately, we all have to take responsibility and pull together to support one another at this difficult time. This can simply involve checking on vulnerable neighbours, family and friends.
In Solihull, we are blessed with strong communities across the borough, from our more urban north and west to our rural south. As the Coronavirus pandemic marches forward, our Council are thankful for our communities who are helping us support the vulnerable, and increasingly everyone who for health or work reasons may be self-isolating.
As I think we are all beginning to realise, it is now necessary to adjust to a new way of living and working. I have a fear that those who are self-isolating will, in a real sense, become” isolated”. At some point, I suspect boredom is likely to cause people to break their self-isolation and social distancing, which may be dangerous for themselves and others. If the experience of other countries is anything to go by, it will be some time before we can lead the lives we did, but a few short months ago.
One thing that I worry about is the issue of communications, which has changed massively in recent years, with local newspapers being less important in this digital age. I have had a veritable torrent of emails telling me what various organisations are doing to combat this invisible enemy. However, this crisis is most lethal for the seniors amongst us, who are often less digitally connected, and now must rely on the TV and radio. When we get through all this – and as the PM says – we will, we need to give much greater thought to elevating the importance of digital inclusion, lack of which is a major factor in loneliness and isolation.
One final point, sadly, there are people out there who already see Covid-19 as an opportunity to prey on the vulnerable. We all now need to pass on the message to take extra care with cyber-security; double-check that any unannounced visitors are really who they say they are: if they are legitimate, they will be happy to allow their credentials to be verified with their organisation.
I wish good health to all.


conservativehome--2020-03-31--WATCH: “This weekend, the first thousands of new ventilator devices will roll off the production lin

WATCH: “This weekend, the first thousands of new ventilator devices will roll off the production line”, says Gove.

WATCH : “ This weekend , the first thousands of new ventilator devices will roll off the production line ” @ @ @ @

WATCH LIVE: Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster @MichaelGove hosts the #coronavirus press conference (31 March 2020) https://t.co/alyvKo7MlM
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) March 31, 2020


conservativehome--2020-03-31--Charities are in crisis. A Government bailout is urgent – but they must not forget small players.

We are in unprecedented times , and the Government has gone to astronomical economic lengths – to stave off the threat of the Coronavirus .
And yet , in spite of its huge efforts , one industry has been somewhat forgotten about .
That is , the charity sector .
Read the newspapers and there ’ s no shortage of big names calling for help .
Oxfam , Barnado ’ s and the Directory of Social Change ( DSC ) have all had to furlough significant numbers of staff ( 70 percent of employees in the case of DSC , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much further behind ) .
Some of this was to be expected after the Government created its Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme , meaning that any employee that furloughs staff can claim a grant to cover 80 per cent of their wages ( up to £2,500 per month ) .
But what continues to plague charities is cash flow issues .
Javed Khan , Chief Executive of Barnado ’ s , said the organisation ’ s income had been “ wiped away literally overnight ” .
Before the Coronavirus , the charity once generated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show this has now dropped to £8m .
The reason money has dried up – aside from a more fiscally prudent public – is that so many cash-generating activities , such as charitable events and shops , take place offline .
Thus , they have come to a halt in an era of social distancing .
While some charities have tried to be proactive about what ’ s happening – shifting their fundraising efforts to the virtual realm and coming up with other creative solutions – the sheer scale of money being lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fill in the gaps .
The National Council for Voluntary Organisations ( NCVO ) has warned that charities could lose at least £4.3 billion in just twelve weeks , with staffing expected to fall by 50 per cent overall as illness and self-isolation increases .
The sadness in all of this is that the most vulnerable in our society will pay the price .
Hospice UK , for instance , estimates its sector will lose out on £70m a week .
Marie Curie says it can not function properly without £2.5 million a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fact that demand for charities , as well as food banks and helplines , are growing in line with the Coronavirus .
Gemma Peters , Chief Executive of Bloodwise , said that the organisation has seen a “ monumental increase ” in calls because people with blood cancer are at high risk from the virus .
The Government can feel the pressure to produce a plan .
Already over 236 MPs and peers from parties across the House of Commons signed a letter to Rishi Sunak asking for help , writing : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , many charities , voluntary organisations and social enterprises of all sizes will soon close out.
” Last Friday , Michael Gove said that would be announced in the coming days , with ministers apparently rushing to put something together .
Some have concerns that the bailout that ’ s coming could be overly focussed on big charitable organisations – whereas little businesses are most at risk of faltering .
Andy Cook , Chief Executive of the Centre for Social Justice ( CSJ ) and charity founder , said that the Government needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the few ” , when devising its economic rescue plan .
Speaking to ConservativeHome , Cook said : “ The UK charity sector is a lop-sided one with a few big names with some big budgets to boot .
What is less well known is 83 per cent of charities have a turnover under £100,000 ” .
“ Fundraising is hugely skewed in the direction of the household names with 95 per cent of fundraising money going to bigger charities .
Many small charities have virtually no reserves at all and if , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t step in they will simply go to the wall.
” “ While the government has stepped in to pay up to 80 per cent of salaries to stop companies laying off staff , this is a round peg in a square hole for charities .
The people working in and for small charities provide a lifeline of support to the most vulnerable , ‘ furloughing ’ these people means taking away that support at a time of crisis.
” The CSJ recomends the Government uses collectives , such as the UK Community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grant-making organisations across the UK ) , as an infrastructure to reach small charities .
It also estimates that the smallest charities need £500 million to keep afloat .
Clearly what ’ s at stake is not only the financial survival of businesses , but has a humanitarian cost too – given how essential the services charities offer are .
Whatever the Government does , it doesn ’ t have much longer to act .
As the parliamentarians ’ letter aptly warns , “ [ f ] unds are running out ” .

We are in unprecedented times, and the Government has gone to astronomical economic lengths – to stave off the threat of the Coronavirus.
And yet, in spite of its huge efforts, one industry has been somewhat forgotten about.
That is, the charity sector.
Read the newspapers and there’s no shortage of big names calling for help.
Oxfam, Barnado’s and the Directory of Social Change (DSC) have all had to furlough significant numbers of staff (70 percent of employees in the case of DSC, with Oxfam and Barnado’s not much further behind).
Some of this was to be expected after the Government created its Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, meaning that any employee that furloughs staff can claim a grant to cover 80 per cent of their wages (up to £2,500 per month).
But what continues to plague charities is cash flow issues.
Javed Khan, Chief Executive of Barnado’s, said the organisation’s income had been “wiped away literally overnight”.
Before the Coronavirus, the charity once generated around £25m a month, but estimates show this has now dropped to £8m.
The reason money has dried up – aside from a more fiscally prudent public – is that so many cash-generating activities, such as charitable events and shops, take place offline.
Thus, they have come to a halt in an era of social distancing.
While some charities have tried to be proactive about what’s happening – shifting their fundraising efforts to the virtual realm and coming up with other creative solutions – the sheer scale of money being lost makes it practically impossible for them to fill in the gaps.
The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) has warned that charities could lose at least £4.3 billion in just twelve weeks, with staffing expected to fall by 50 per cent overall as illness and self-isolation increases.
The sadness in all of this is that the most vulnerable in our society will pay the price.
Hospice UK, for instance, estimates its sector will lose out on £70m a week.
Marie Curie says it cannot function properly without £2.5 million a week.
These concerns are exacerbated by the fact that demand for charities, as well as food banks and helplines, are growing in line with the Coronavirus.
Gemma Peters, Chief Executive of Bloodwise, said that the organisation has seen a “monumental increase” in calls because people with blood cancer are at high risk from the virus.
The Government can feel the pressure to produce a plan. Already over 236 MPs and peers from parties across the House of Commons signed a letter to Rishi Sunak asking for help, writing: “Without an immediate injection of money, many charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises of all sizes will soon close out.”
Last Friday, Michael Gove said that would be announced in the coming days, with ministers apparently rushing to put something together.
Some have concerns that the bailout that’s coming could be overly focussed on big charitable organisations – whereas little businesses are most at risk of faltering.
Andy Cook, Chief Executive of the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) and charity founder, said that the Government needs to work for the “many not the few”, when devising its economic rescue plan.
Speaking to ConservativeHome, Cook said: “The UK charity sector is a lop-sided one with a few big names with some big budgets to boot. What is less well known is 83 per cent of charities have a turnover under £100,000”.
“Fundraising is hugely skewed in the direction of the household names with 95 per cent of fundraising money going to bigger charities. Many small charities have virtually no reserves at all and if, like business, the government doesn’t step in they will simply go to the wall.”
“While the government has stepped in to pay up to 80 per cent of salaries to stop companies laying off staff, this is a round peg in a square hole for charities. The people working in and for small charities provide a lifeline of support to the most vulnerable, ‘furloughing’ these people means taking away that support at a time of crisis.”
The CSJ recomends the Government uses collectives, such as the UK Community Foundation (a collective of 46 regional grant-making organisations across the UK), as an infrastructure to reach small charities.
It also estimates that the smallest charities need £500 million to keep afloat.
Clearly what’s at stake is not only the financial survival of businesses, but has a humanitarian cost too – given how essential the services charities offer are.
Whatever the Government does, it doesn’t have much longer to act.
As the parliamentarians’ letter aptly warns, “[f]unds are running out”.


conservativehome--2020-04-01--Calling Conservatives: New public appointments announced. Board of the Office for Tax Simplication –