The government is cutting and freezing the amount of public health cash it gives to councils per person in areas across the country, according to official figures.

Despite the pandemic 31 local authorities will see a fall in their public health grants this financial year, while a further 69 will have the amount they are given by Whitehall frozen, writes Jon Stone.

Each year ministers give councils ring-fenced cash for public health duties like outbreak planning, substance misuse services, and sexual health services – but in recent years the amount has been cut by around £1bn.

Keir Starmer has apologised for visiting a church whose pastor has previously expressed anti-LGBT+ views.

The Labour leader appeared at a coronavirus vaccine event at Jesus House, in Brent Cross, at the weekend.

Labour’s LGBT+ group criticised the visit.

The church’s senior pastor Agu Irukwu has previously spoken out against LGBT+ equality.

Sir Keir tweeted on Monday night: “I completely disagree with Jesus House’s beliefs on LGBT+ rights, which I was not aware of before my visit. I apologise for the hurt my visit caused and have taken down the video. It was a mistake and I accept that.”

Boris Johnson has also visited the church’s pop-up vaccination centre.

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Labour’s Paul Williams is set to lose next month’s byelection in Hartlepool, a poll suggests.

A Survation phone survey commissioned by the Communication Workers Union and reported by The Times found Jill Mortimer, the Conservative candidate, held a seven-point lead over the former Stockton South MP.

The advantage was 49 points to 42, the paper reported.

Last month our reporter Colin Drury visited the town to sound out local figures about the upcoming contest.

Labour admitted the seat – previously a party stronghold – would be “a struggle to hold” in the face of surging Tory support.

You can read that report here: