Nottinghamshire councils remain in the dark over enforcing Covid-19 rules

No new rules have been set for enforcing Covid restrictions more harshly, some Nottinghamshire councils have said, despite a claim from the Government.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said Robert Jenrick, secretary of state for housing, communities and local government had spoken to councils ‘about the role that they have to play in enforcing the rules’.

However, several Nottinghamshire councils have said no such meeting has taken place, and no new instructions have been received from the Government.

Since the start of the pandemic, councils have been enforcing Covid regulations in different ways, with environmental health officers, designated Covid wardens and community protection officers.

All have used an approach to educate and engage with rule breakers rather than going straight to enforcement, although this has remained an available option.

Several councils have said this remains the approach.

Jason Zadrozny, leader of Ashfield District Council. said: “Despite what Priti Patel has publicly stated – no meeting has taken place between council leaders and government ministers to talk about how councils can help enforce Covid regulations.

“At Ashfield District Council, we have positively engaged with both retailers and residents since the pandemic started.

“Our environmental health team works hand in glove with our newly created Covid information team and our community protection team to deliver a common sense, positive service aimed at assisting customers and retailers rather than castigating them.

“While we take our responsibilities extremely seriously – we only take action as a last resort.

“This has included serving a direction to close a barbers in Hucknall and other warnings to retailers.

“Our approach has been welcomed by businesses and retailers alike.”

A spokesman for Broxtowe Borough Council added: “Our Officers work hard to engage and educate businesses to help them to comply with COVID-19 restrictions.

"However, if businesses are unwilling to engage with us, we will use enforcement action if necessary in order to keep local people safe.”

Nottingham City Council and Gedling Borough Council also both confirmed there had been no discussions with Mr Jenrick about Covid enforcement, although the city council said fines were only ever issued ‘as a last resort’.

The Government has been approached for comment.

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