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We are still here at the RSN for all of our customers and partners. We remain working from home, ready to support you all to ensure that the rural voice is heard at a national level. We'd love to hear from you if you have any queries or want to get in touch admin@sparse.gov.uk
On Monday 4th January, the Prime Minister announced a national lockdown and instructed people to stay at home to ‘control the virus, protect the NHS and save lives’.
On Tuesday 5th January, the Chancellor announced that businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors are to receive a one-off grant worth up to £9,000.
On Wednesday 6th January, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson MP (Con) made a statement to Parliament on the closure of education settings during national lockdown. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps MP (Con) announced that Coventry and Oxford could become the first parts of the UK to run all-electric bus services. The Government also updated its guidance for the owners and operators of beach, countryside and coastal destinations during COVID-19.
On Thursday 7th January, Prime Minister Boris Johnson MP (Con) gave a statement at the COVID-19 press conference, stating how the Government will reach the target of offering a slot for vaccination by 15th of February for the 15 million people identified most at risk in the UK. In a statement, the Social Mobility Commission outlined its concerns over contingency plans for pupils affected by the global COVID pandemic, arguing that the Education Secretary should put extra funding in place to let pupils resit this school year. Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick MP (Con) also announced that millions of leaseholders will be given the right to extend their lease by a maximum term of 990 years at zero ground rent.
On Friday 8th January, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) authorised the Moderna vaccine for UK use. The UK has ordered 17 million doses of the vaccine, which will be rolled out from the spring. Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick MP (Con) also announced extra support to help protect rough sleepers and renters from the effects of COVID-19, alongside an additional £10 million in funding for councils in England to redouble their efforts to help accommodate all those currently sleeping rough and ensure they are registered with a GP.
On Sunday 10th January, the Government announced that community testing will be expanded across all local authorities in England to test people without symptoms. Passengers arriving from all international destinations will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test result before departing for England.
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