What now for deprivations of liberty?
What will the effect of the postponement of the Liberty Protections Safeguards be on local authorities? Local Government Lawyer asked 50 adult social care lawyers for their views on the potential consequences.
SPOTLIGHT |
The Local Government Association has called for additional powers to be given to local government as it published a briefing on the measures contained in the Coronavirus Bill.
The LGA has urged the government to:
The LGA said councils would need to re-prioritise certain public services as they lead local efforts to tackle the coronavirus and protect the vulnerable.
It added that the Bill, by “cutting unnecessary burdens and freeing up capacity in councils”, was positive.
The LGA’s briefing can be viewed here.
Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, said: “Councils are stepping up to play their role in supporting the national effort to tackle the Coronavirus. Acting as a fourth emergency service, local government is prioritising the most vulnerable to ensure they have the support they need.
“This is essential work in the nation’s interests. Councils will step-up, but this emergency will stretch them and their teams to the maximum as it will all public services.
“Additional powers should be added to the legislation to further support councils in their efforts to tackle this emergency.”