4.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation Implemented 4.2 Whilst the government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation, it does not agree with the conclusion that a centrally directed system was chosen because of a lack of confidence in local authorities. Councils are crucial partners in delivery of shielding support to clinically extremely vulnerable individuals and since July 2020, councils and supermarkets have been supporting access to food. The shielding framework (co-designed with councils) includes a clear set of expectations regarding delivery of shielding support. From the autumn, the government provided councils with funding at a rate of £14.60 per CEV individual per four weeks whilst Shielding guidance was in place. 4.3 Outcomes data from councils in the most recent period of shielding demonstrated good performance in triaging and meeting requests for support from CEV individuals (including those added in February 2021 as a result of the QCovid® coronavirus risk prediction model). Councils’ confidence in their ability to meet requests for support consistently remained high. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) also tracked spend patterns, which will inform future review of funding. 4.4 Shielding was paused on 1 April 2021. As part of contingency planning, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has tested future delivery confidence with nearly all upper tier councils across England, finding that councils are confident in their ability to stand up shielding support rapidly in future. MHCLG continues to work closely with councils and to keep funding under review so councils can support those who need it, whilst providing value for money.