A report by the Joint Biosecurity Centre, which has been leaked to the Guardian newspaper, has concluded that due to "unmet financial need" many poorer families have been unable to self isolate. The government set up schemes to give financial help to people but the study found in Blackburn with Darwen more people seeking financial help to self isolate had been rejected than accepted.
Blackburn Labour Councillor Hussain Akhtar was seen encouraging young people to walk on a dangerously frozen lake. Video footage of the incident is circulating on social media. Liberal Democrats have condemned his behaviour. Lib Dem Councillor Roy Davies said, "This is so irresponsible. The council is telling people not to walk on frozen water as it could be fatal and here we have a councillor encouraging it. He should do the honourable thing and resign." This is the second incident in a week where a Labour councillor on Blackburn with Darwen council has had to be censured. It follows the Labour Mayor being fined for attending an illegal gathering in contravention of Covid regulations.
Blackburn with Darwen mayor, Labour Councillor Ifakhar Hussain has resigned and suspended himself from the Labour group. This follows his receipt of a £200 fine from Lancashire police. Liberal Democrat Councillor, Paul Browne said, "He has done the right thing in resigning as mayor, but he should also resign as a councillor. Those in public office need to set an example. We can't expect the public to follow the rules if we don't follow them ourselves."
Blackburn with Darwen school children who are eligible can have vouchers over half term.
The Conservative government promised £1.5 billion for English homeowners to help pay for improvements which would reduce their carbon footprint. It would provide vouchers worth up to £5,000 or even £10,000 for some improvements.
Blackburn with Darwen Director Public Health, Dominic Harrison has given the following update: