Dear colleagues,

As those of you who joined us for today’s cabinet meeting will already be aware, I have written to Matt Hancock calling on the Government to fix the serious funding issues for social care.

Adult Social Care is a vital service, and I am committed to the belief that the responsibility for its maintenance should sit with local authorities. However, it is intrinsically linked to the sustainability of the NHS, and for that reason alone a long-term funding solution must be found for it.

It is not fair that our council tax payers are being asked to pay an extra precept each year for this single service, and a more sustainable model of funding must be implemented quickly.

As the letter concludes:  “At a time when caring for the most vulnerable in our communities is more important than ever – yet when so many have also seen their livelihoods suffer and can least afford another levy on their council tax bills – we call on Government to bring forward a long-term sustainable funding package for social care in their March Budget, and honour the Prime Minister’s pledge to “fix social care once and for all”.”

Coronavirus and Half term

We are at a critical moment, nearly half of those who have died from coronavirus in Cornwall have done so since the 1st of January, we must redouble our efforts and do all we can to work together to follow the public health guidance and keep people safe.

With that in mind, can I please urge everyone not to relax their guard during half term next week. We are asking those who are on a half term break to avoid travelling distances in the car and “explore from your door” instead. I hope you will join me in reinforcing the message to follow the rules within your own communities, it really is the best way we can act to ensure we reach the end of the crisis sooner.

Case numbers may be coming down but are still higher than the earlier peaks, and we know the new variant of the virus spreads more easily. Please keep following the public health guidance and only go out for work, essential journeys and exercise.

My sincere condolences to all of those who have lost loved ones during the pandemic, and my grateful thanks to everyone who, in so many different ways, are making a positive difference in their communities.

Vaccinations

In order to support the work of health colleagues and reassure the public of the safety of the vaccine, the council’s public health team ran a special Facebook Live session yesterday with health experts answering questions on all aspects of the programme.

If you would like to watch this you can catch up with it here.  Please share this link with your residents to ensure it reaches as wide an audience as possible.

Facebook Live

We will be holding another Facebook Live session on Friday where both the local media and the public will be updated on our latest work regarding the pandemic and be able to ask questions.

It will take place between 2pm and 3pm, and I will be joined by Councillors Sally Hawken and Rob Nolan, and our Director of Public Health Rachel Wigglesworth.

If you would like to join us, please follow the link here: https://www.facebook.com/forCornwall

Important links

All coronavirus related enquiries or issues to our dedicated email address covid19@cornwall.gov.uk. This email address is monitored throughout normal business hours.

For vaccine questions, please email nhskernowccg.ciosc19vaccine@nhs.net, or visit the website COVID-19 vaccine information – NHS Kernow CCG – NHS Kernow CCG

Anyone who needs help can request a volunteer by ringing 01872 266988 or emailing requestforhelp@volunteercornwall.org.uk.

Find out more about the support available for businesses here: Business Rate Support Council Tax Support and Growth Hub.

Please continue to look after yourselves,

Best wishes

Julian

Julian German

Hembrenkyas an Konsel

Konseler Kernow rag Pastel-vro An Ros

Leader of the Council

Cornwall Councillor for the Roseland Division