Local elections will go ahead in May, Government confirms

The BBC has reported that local elections planned for May are set to go ahead despite concerns they might lead to another spike in Covid-19 infections.

It had widely been predicted that elections would be delayed until October, particularly after a survey last month of senior local government officers showed the vast majority had serious concerns.

Ministers had also previously said the local elections for England, scheduled for 6th May, were under review amid uncertainty about lockdown restrictions.

Surrey is due to hold county council elections this year.

However, the BBC reports today (Friday) that government sources say local elections will still go ahead in May.

There will be some safety measures, with voters asked to take their own pen or pencil to mark their ballots.

In all, £70m will be made available to make polling stations Covid-secure.

Masks will be compulsory in polling stations and there will be divider screens and sanitiser.