Northamptonshire councils urged to deploy COVID-19 ‘marshals’

The Government funding for local councils is ring fenced for COVID compliance.

At the end of last month the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, announced that £60 million will be made available across the police and local authorities for compliance and enforcement activities, with local councils getting half the amount.

And today (October 8) it was revealed that the seven district and borough councils in Northamptonshire would be getting £360,000 between them.

Northampton Borough Council was the biggest beneficiary, receiving £124,352 of that amount, while Kettering Borough Council is to receive £48,658. Other allocations included Corby (£41,637); Wellingborough (£41,441); East Northamptonshire (£37,488); Daventry (£35,715) and South Northamptonshire (£30,226).

Guidance issued to the councils by the Government states: “Where appropriate, we would encourage local authorities to consider using this funding for the deployment of COVID-19 secure marshals, or their equivalents, to support compliance. This focuses on supporting local authorities who are deploying marshals, wardens, stewards, ambassadors or similar roles to support compliance social distancing in public places.

“The role of COVID-19 secure marshals or equivalents is not to enforce COVID-19 regulations, or have any enforcement powers, which should remain the remit of the police and designated local authority compliance and enforcement officers. COVID-19 secure marshals or equivalents should instead engage, explain and encourage best practice and national COVID-19 secure guidance.”

The funding is not exclusively for marshals however. Although ring fences, other areas the money can be spent include for signage, advertising or educational campaigns so that the public and business are more aware of COVID regulations.

It could also cover staff costs, training or overtime costs associated with the work of local authority compliance and enforcement functions.