Statement on Leeds City Council being chosen as a lead local authority for new coronavirus test and trace services

Leeds City Council has today been confirmed by the government to be a lead local authority on behalf of the Leeds City Region on the new national coronavirus test and trace services.

The services are being overseen by chief executive of Leeds City Council Tom Riordan, in his new role as National Test and Trace Adviser.

Commenting on the announcement, Leader of Leeds City Council Councillor Judith Blake said:

“This programme is crucial to enabling the city to find a new, safe normal. We’re pleased to be part of the group working with the national advisory panel, this is acknowledgement of the emphatic case we have pushed that strong local involvement is the key to successfully implementing national systems. We are already working with our partners across health and other public and third sector organisations to get arrangements in place and the public health expertise we have in the city will be invaluable. We will keep people informed about how it will work as plans progress, engaging with the public regularly.

“Our approach continues to be about a safety first perspective as we deal with the pandemic itself and the effects of changing restrictions on people in the city. It is imperative that sound testing and tracing systems are in place to help us continue this, and we welcome the additional funding to deliver the local elements of this national system to help keep people safe."

To see the press release issued today by the Department of Health and Social Care, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/news/300-million-additional-funding-for-local-authorities-to-support-new-test-and-trace-service

ENDS

Leeds City Council communications and marketing

Email: communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk

Tel: 0113 378 6007