Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the letter of 13 November 2020 from the Leader of Kingston upon Hull City Council, Stephen Brady OBE, on the levels of covid-19 infection in that city, what plans he has to ensure (a) Public Health England and (b) the Joint Biosecurity Centre provide additional support to the appropriate area agencies.

Public Health England (PHE) meets with the Chief Executive of Hull City Council on a weekly basis to provide direct support and updates. PHE now has an established mechanism in place in Hull to escalate concerns as required. PHE also meets regularly with the Director of Public Health for Hull and attends the Humber local resilience forum.

The Yorkshire and Humber Regional Partnership Team, which includes PHE and the Joint Biosecurity Centre, has continued to provide support to all local authorities and increased their engagement with Hull City Council.