Local lockdown concerns raised by Kent councillors

Power being passed to local council have been branded a 'cop out' by one councillor as concerns over enforcing lockdowns are raised. The county's 14 councils have been given new powers to close shops, cancel events and shut outdoor spaces to manage local coronavirus outbreaks. Prime Minister Boris Johnson made the announcement three days ago as 343 councils across England largely welcomed the move. In a virtual cabinet meeting yesterday, Kent County Council's (KCC) public health cabinet member, Cllr Clair Bell (Con), said: 'The purpose of these powers is to enable councils to act more quickly in response to outbreaks where speed is paramount.'