Extra funding for local authorities is welcome, but personal protection gear is still not getting through

Liberal Democrats on Cornwall Council have welcomed the UK wide, extra £1.6 billion in support announced by the Government, but have called for urgent action to protect frontline staff from coronavirus.

Adam Paynter, Lib Dem deputy Leader of Cornwall Council said;

"The extra funding announced by government is of course welcome. Council budgets are thin at the best of times and we are currently seeing an unprecedented drain on our resources due to coronavirus.

"Cornwall Council are rising to the challenge and are leading the way in many areas. We are the top authority for releasing business support grants, we ensured our vital ferry services remain open to emergency services and key workers and have kept school places open to the same group so that they can concentrate on their essential work."

"What we now need from government is a laser like focus on the provision of personal protection equipment (PPE) for frontline staff in our care homes and domiciliary care. I have heard stories of PPE being sent to China and now we read vital protection equipment coming from Turkey has been delayed.

"Some care homes in Cornwall have reported having to wait for up to three weeks for PE to arrive leading some managers to resort to Ebay to try and get the equipment they need.

Rob Rotchell, Lib Dem cabinet portfolio holder for Adults reiterated the call for PPE:

"Cornwall Council are doing absolutely everything they can to obtain the necessary PPE for staff and residents at care homes. But there is a national shortage. What we are receiving is often just a fraction of what was ordered.

"The government really need to get a grip of this problem. It's all very well for our local MPs to claim that Treliske is fully stocked with PPE. Of course, PPE for hospitals is vital, but care homes are also on the front line of the coronavirus pandemic and have become the forgotten front in the war against the virus."

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