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"Investing in drug prevention and treatment now will reap benefits for everyone longer-term, including for the NHS, criminal justice and other public services."

“COVID-19 has reinforced the urgent need for long-term reform of adult social care, including sustainable funding which grows in line with demand, as well as investment to tackle the funding gap between the cost of providing care and what councils pay."

Councils, which are responsible for public health services, are committed to continue supporting people with alcohol and other substance misuse problems despite ongoing pressures made worse by the pandemic.

"It is clear that the current high prevalence of COVID-19 has resulted in large numbers of close contacts being required to self-isolate, which is placing pressure on some council services due to staff shortages. Most councils have been able to keep services running but there is a concern that, if rates increase further, many will be forced to prioritise services that protect the most vulnerable in their communities."

“No community should miss out on the opportunity for better health and wellbeing, if we are to build back better from the pandemic.”

“This new strategy, the first of its kind to cover children and young people as well as adults, rightly focuses on supporting autistic people to live their lives in their communities, widening the focus beyond social care and health services.

“Every life lost to COVID-19 is a tragedy and it is heartbreaking for families who lost loved ones who were living in care homes and unable to be as close to them in their final moments, as we would all wish, due to restrictions."

Cllr James Jamieson, Chairman of the Local Government Association, responds to the publication of government guidance on exemptions from self-isolation for critical workers.

“The forthcoming Spending Review is an opportunity to ensure that councils have the necessary funding to achieve real and lasting change for disabled people."

"Amanda Pritchard is a highly respected and experienced senior leader in the NHS and her appointment comes at a crucial time, not only in our recovery from the pandemic, but also during an ambitious transformation agenda being taken forward in the Health and Care Bill."