Row in Dudley as councillors offer to drive residents to Covid-19 vaccinations

Councillor Shaukat Ali wrote to Dudley Council bosses asking for transport to provided to those most in need so they can get the vital jab.

And the health chief said he and other Labour councillors had offered to drive residents once they had received public health advice.

But council leader Patrick Harley said the last thing people need was every "Tom, Dick or Harry" offering to drive them amid high virus cases.

It comes after concerns were raised over vulnerable people potentially being put off their vaccination due to a lack of transport in the borough.

Councillor Ali, shadow cabinet member for health and social care, said: "People aged 80 and over are now being vaccinated however there are concerns about some being put off because they don’t have their own transport, don’t have family living nearby, are unable to use public transport or can’t afford to pay for a taxi. The lack of access to transport should not be a reason for not getting the vaccination.

"It is important that everyone gets vaccinated as soon as possible to prevent the spread of coronavirus and the new strain, protect everyone and start to get back to normality.

"Elderly and frail residents who don’t have access to transport should be offered support to get to their appointments. I alongside other Labour councillors have offered to volunteer to drive residents once we have received advice from public health.

"I am sure many other people from across the borough will join us as long as the council sets up a Covid-secure system to ensure the safety of those helping and transported.

"I must emphasise adherence to Covid guidance as a priority for everyone as this is the only way we will tackle the pandemic until a time everyone is vaccinated and the risk of spread of infection is minimal."

Conservative council leader Patrick Harley said: "Provision is already there for those vulnerable age groups who cannot access the vaccination programme due to being housebound and with underlying conditions. Nurses from individual GP provision will make home visits. Therefore, what he's asking for is already being provided.

"I for one would not recommend any councillors from any party offer to drive those vulnerable age groups for their vaccine jabs.

"Councillor Ali never fails to disappoint when it come to the heights of stupidity. The 60-plus age groups are still showing an increase in positive infection rates.

"The last thing they need is every Tom, Dick or Harry offering to drive them knowing this new variant is so infectious and that people aren't fully protected after having the jab for two to three weeks then what he's proposing is just wrong at this critical time in our fight against this pandemic.

"Elected members can help in many ways but this should be left to those professionals who are doing a world beating job in rolling out the vaccine."