Staffordshire County Council's elections in May this year are set to go ahead despite concerns around the spread of Covid-19.

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

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

However, the BBC reports today (Friday, 4 February) that government sources say elections to local councils and police and crime commissioners will go ahead in May.

There will be some safety measures, with voters asked to bring 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.