View from City Hall: No sympathy for those who ignore rules

A second wave of Covid-19 infections is now upon us. New restrictions have been introduced and it is important that we all comply and play our parts in suppressing the virus while we wait for a vaccine.

I urge everyone to follow the guidance on wearing face masks, social distancing and regular hand washing.

Those who don’t play by the rules shouldn’t expect sympathy and I applaud the council’s tough enforcement stance – something we saw highlighted recently when it took Asda to task for not doing enough to ensure customers wear masks.

No one is above the law, and we will only get through this crisis by working together.

While I welcome the chancellor’s recent announcement of the new Job Support Scheme to replace the Furlough Scheme, I fear it does not go far enough.

I am particularly concerned that thousands of Londoners in so-called ‘non-viable’ jobs are now facing unemployment and that for others, two-thirds of a wage packet is nowhere near sufficient to cover rents and the rising costs of living.

One can also see the economic impacts of Covid-19 very clearly in the case of local football clubs like Barking FC and Dagenham and Redbridge FC.

It was great to attend a match in person recently between the two, after so long away from the grounds, but the clubs will not survive the season without ticket revenues unless they get more government support.

Congratulations to Darren Rodwell on being elected as deputy leader of London Councils, a recognition of the esteem in which the borough is held.