BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL is “confident” in its ability to enforce so-called “lightning lockdowns” in the event local cases of coronavirus begin to spike.

Leader of Buckinghamshire Council, Martin Tett, said “robust plans” are in place should a surge in Covid-19 cases within the county compel the council to close down businesses, events, and outdoor spaces, without a directive from central government.

The new powers, awarded by Prime Minister Boris Johnson last week, give councils in England freedom to respond to outbreaks “where speed is paramount”.

The move, which significantly increase council powers, has been colloquially referred to as “lightning lockdowns” by the PM. The government added they should be used “with discretion”.

Councillor Tett said the council is taking its new responsibilities “extremely seriously”.

If used, the council could order the closure of shops and businesses, cancel public events, forbid entry to public spaces, and advise people in specific postcodes across Buckinghamshire to remain housebound to manage the virus.

“It has to be right that we take local action in response to local outbreaks,” said the PM.

The Local Government Association (LGA), which acts for councils in England, welcomed the announcement, adding authorities know their communities “best”.

Councillor Tett said the council is working alongside Public Health England to review coronavirus data “every day” – and urged anyone with symptoms, “no matter how mild”, to get tested.

“I want to reassure our residents that the number of infections in Buckinghamshire currently remains low and we all have a role to play in keeping it that way as we move back towards a more normal life,” said councillor Tett.

“Buckinghamshire Council is taking its new responsibilities extremely seriously. Our public health team is working hard to ensure we have access to the most up-to-date information and I am very confident of the plans we have put in place should it become necessary to invoke these powers and arrange a form of local lockdown in the future.

“We also have robust plans ready to quickly communicate and engage with those affected by any lockdown if such action must be taken.

“Any future decision to impose a local lockdown would be made by reviewing a wide range of data sources and would be informed by lessons learned from other affected areas around the country, with guidance from our director of public health.

“We have compiled information on businesses and events across the county so we can act promptly and decisively in case of any significant spike in local cases.”

He added: “I want to reassure residents that we are carefully checking the data every day in case of any increase in infection rates and are ready to act quickly if the need arises. To help us identify local outbreaks, it is important you get tested if you have any symptoms of Covid, no matter how mild they are. While infection levels remain low in our county, we must all continue to do our bit to stay safe and protect Bucks.”