Heath Secretary Matt Hancock has announced in the House of Commons that local councils across England will be given powers to use closure notices to shut premises over public health.
He said that local authorities have asked the government for stronger “enforcement powers,” to which the Health Secretary agrees.
Hancock told MPs on Thursday, “As part of local discussions, local authorities including the LGA (Local Government Association) have asked for stronger enforcement powers, and I agree.
“To support businesses who are doing the right thing, it is fair that we take action against those businesses who are doing the wrong thing – so firm enforcement helps make these restrictions fairer for all.
“So, we want to put in place stronger regulations to give local authorities firmer powers to take further action in their area.
“The proposals that we’ll bring forward will mean councils will be able to act without delay and use closure notices to shut premises on public health grounds to help suppress the virus.”
“We’ll work with local authorities in the coming days on the details of these proposals so we can act in a firm and fast way against the minority who are breaching these lifesaving rules.”
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