Kingston Council (RBK) criticised the government's budget measures over the lack of support for adult social care during the coronavirus pandemic.

The council meanwhile pledged to support volunteers who have pledged to help vulnerable residents in the borough against the spread of Covid-19.

Councillor Alison Holt, Portfolio Holder with Responsibility for Finance, described the apparent omission of adult social care from Chancellor Rishi Sunak's budget announcement on Wednesday (March 12) as "startling and noticeable".

RBK did however welcome the guaranteeing of new funds for local authorities to help tackle the outbreak.

“The council is pleased that more money will be available for local authorities to tackle the Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak - this is something which is affecting all of us and we must all be mindful of each other as we work together to minimise the risk of spreading the condition.

“However, one startling and noticeable omission from the Chancellor’s budget is adult social care.

"People in Kingston are feeling the effects of a decade of cuts and to not have significant cash specifically dedicated towards this in the Budget is hugely disappointing," Cllr Holt said.

Meanwhile, RBK revealed it would be supporting Kingstonians who have pledged to help vulnerable residents during the coronavirus crisis.

After announcing it would close all youth and leisure centres in the borough plus a number of other communal spaces to fight the spread of Covid-19, RBK said it hoped to look after residents alongside volunteers.

"We are working with Kingston Voluntary Action and other partners to support our residents to volunteer to help their community and to reach as many people as possible across the borough whilst still keeping everyone safe.

"As soon as we have more details on how to get involved we will share them," a spokesperson said.