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Katherine Fairclough, deputy Solace spokesperson for Local Government Finance, said:  “Announcements in relation to tackling youth unemployment, increasing apprenticeships and getting people back into work are welcome but the role of councils will be critical if we are to create jobs at the speed and scale required to help our communities recover.

“While the focus has understandably been on responding to the coronavirus crisis, we must not take our eye off the other global challenge of our time, the climate emergency, so it is encouraging to see a green investment package being brought forward for homes and public buildings – something Solace has called for. Further funds will be required to create a truly energy efficient society, but this is a positive first step.

“As we look ahead it is important the Government uses the forthcoming Spending Review and local government finance settlement to fully fund councils because any long-term economic recovery will be seriously hampered if local government is restricted in its ability to reshape and reimagine local places, let alone respond to a potential second wave of Covid-19.”