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Impact of virus differs greatly

WHILE coronavirus has meant universal changes to our way of life, the health and economic risks and consequences it has presented are unique to different areas, communities and individuals.

The challenge of how the nation rebuilds from the events of the pandemic is neatly set out by new research from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), which shows there has been no simple North-South divide from the effects of Covid-19.

Instead, more deprived areas which have larger numbers of children living in poverty have been worst hit so far, along with coastal regions that tend to have older populations and an economic reliance on tourism.

But the picture is complicated. The research also found that, while there are some regional patterns in vulnerability, in many cases neighbouring local authorities are likely to have very different experiences of the crisis.

Broad-brush measures such as the furlough scheme have been necessary in the early stages of the crisis to deal with the fallout of lockdown in a timely manner.

But as we emerge from lockdown into a new reality, this research highlights the need for a nuanced approach to the recovery which will require policymakers at different levels to co-ordinate their responses.

It also highlights the need for Government to trust local authorities and work effectively alongside them so localised differences in problems and issues can be effectively tackled on the ground.

Getting the right support to the right areas in a timely fashion will be no easy task but it must be the goal.