In response to the outbreak of coronavirus and the increasing number of confirmed cases in the UK, the Government has closed early years providers. Early years providers will only remain open to the children of critical workers who are vital to our fight against coronavirus, such as NHS staff, police and delivery drivers, and the most vulnerable children.
t the Budget the Chancellor set out the first stage of the Government’s response with a £30 billion package of support for people and businesses. This included supporting small and medium-sized businesses to cope with the extra costs of Statutory Sick Pay by refunding eligible costs.
The Government is taking action to help the 4.6 million households in the private rented sector by protecting them from rogue landlords, banning unfair fees, and ensuring they have access to longer-term tenancies.
NHS staff, care workers, and other medical professionals are on the frontline in the fight against coronavirus, and I am in awe of their dedication, skill and professionalism. Let me assure you that ministers are doing everything they can to ensure the NHS has the equipment and resources it needs to get our country through this crisis.
The Prime Minister and Health Secretary promised industry leaders that they would be given whatever support they need to help government increase testing capabilities across the country. The increased capacity is expected to be ready within four weeks, with highest-priority cases being tested first.
I believe uniforms can play a valuable role in contributing to the ethos of a school and setting an appropriate tone. Schools are expected to consult with parents and pupils, and take their views into account when setting the school uniform policy.
The NHS Long Term Plan laid out how this funding will be invested, with a focus on primary, community and mental health services, helping to deliver prevention and to manage demand.
I am extremely encouraged by the news that, as part of the five-year funding offer that will see the annual NHS budget grow by over £33.9 billion, mental health services will receive budget growth of £2.3 billion over the five-year funding settlement, the fastest uplift in funding.
I completely understand concerns regarding the availability of affordable homes, and it is vital that more homes are built which people on lower incomes can afford to live in. That is why I welcome the recent planning reforms which encourage more affordable housing to be built, on top of the over half a million homes built during the last decade
