Government coronavirus guidance ‘shambolic’, claims councillor

Taking to Twitter after Chancellor Rishi Sunak unveiled his ‘coronavirus budget’, Councillor Majid Mahmood, for Hodge Hill, said the government had "no real direction".

And he also called for the suspension of the upcoming Mayoral, Police and Crime Commissioner and local elections, adding that "the safety of our people is paramount".

Councillor Mahmood’s comments come after the government began to transition from the ‘contain’ approach it has been adopting to the ‘delay’ phase, with countries across the world taking measures to close public spaces such as schools and universities.

Birmingham City Council has already announced that it is monitoring the situation closely, with an update due to be given to the Health and Wellbeing Board next week.

However Councillor Mahmood believes that action needs to be taken now.

Over a number of Tweets, he said: “Our government strategy to fight the Coronavirus Pandemic is shambolic. No clear direction which is causing stress and anxiety for millions, uncertainty in schools and colleges which is impacting our kids education, businesses affected, and there is widespread panic buying.

“I have spoken to a number of businesses in my ward of Bronford and Hodge Hill and all have witnessed a spike in trade with frozen/tinned food, pasta, hand wash, and toilet roll flying off the shelves.

“A number of parents from across the city are panicking that schools will be closed, and creating anxiety for parents who will need to take time off work. We need a clear direction so that parents, teachers, and employers can plan.

“I sincerely hope that if, or more likely when, schools are closed due to the Coronavirus Pandemic that parents whose children are in receipt of free school meals are supported so that the meals are continued whilst schools are shut.

“We need to suspend mortgage payments for principal private residences, suspend council tax, and place caps on prices of essential food/medicine. In addition we need one off payments to low income families and those in receipt of child benefit and pensioners, and to introduce a fund for tenants to apply so that their rent can be paid. All of this should be funded by central government, and no burden placed on local authorities who have borne the brunt of cuts since 2010!!

“In addition the government needs to step in and postpone the Mayoral, PCC and all local elections to help stop the spread of the Coronavirus Pandemic . The safety of our people is paramount."