Councils and the police is reported to have criticised the Government’s announcement of new COVID-19 marshals.

Responsibility for providing them will lie with councils but uncertainty remains over whether the Government will provide any additional funding. Reports quoted the police saying they will be “COVID Wombles” because they will have no powers.

Cllr Nesil Caliskan, Chair of the LGA’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board, said: “This announcement has caused confusion amongst councils who need urgent clarity from the Government on any extra resources and details on how it should work on the ground. It is right that councils will be able to choose whether marshals are the best way to manage COVID-19 risks in their local areas. However, without additional funding to support this proposal, many councils are likely to have to prioritise other activity.”

Source: LGA News