The Government does not believe that its approach to test, trace and isolate should come down to a simple either/or between a national or local approach, but rather that a combined approach is best suited to delivering results. The NHS Test and Trace service was designed to build on existing arrangements and to provide the additional operational capacity required to support PHE's scientific and specialist contact tracing expertise. It was recognised early in the pandemic that local engagement was key to the success of Test and Trace activities. Between April and May 2020, Regional Engagement Teams comprised of senior staff from Government Departments were created to liaise and build relationships with local government colleagues. These teams worked with local stakeholders on the placement of test sites, delivering testing to marginalised and digitally excluded groups, and the instigation of local test sites. From the start, NHS Test and Trace has sought to develop a collaborative and integrated approach, for instance through supporting local authorities in developing Local Outbreak Plans and through a contact tracing system that triages more complex cases to local public health teams in some areas. The Government understands that countries that have adopted a solely local model have struggled to cope with the scale of the pandemic. Equally, it is understood that an entirely national model is not an effective approach to managing the pandemic response. The DHSC has always been clear that NHS Test and Trace will not succeed on its own which is why it works hand-in-hand with trusted partners: academics, local public health experts, local authorities and the NHS, as well as employers and local businesses, and communities across the country. Together, testing and contact tracing is delivered, as well as providing tailored support, advice and guidance to keep the virus under control through a ‘team of teams’ approach. Local authorities play a hugely important role in delivering test and trace services and supporting their communities through outbreaks. Across the UK, there is close working to ensure effective and timely local delivery of testing and contact tracing, alongside a robust national network. The Government’s intention has always been to build an integrated national and local service from the outset. This includes, for example, the local coordination and deployment of mobile and local test sites as well as the launch and development of local testing partnerships.