Covid marshals were paid almost £200 per shift

A London council has said it paid £198 per shift for Covid marshals to patrol the streets, even after restrictions had been eased.

Westminster City Council paid a private company for Covid marshals to walk areas like Soho despite lockdown rules being lifted.

The council said it had paid security firm McKenzie Arnold £198 per shift for each marshal in response to a Freedom of Information request.

But now the authority’s press team claims this rate was only paid until July 19, when the average cost became “significantly lower”.

However the council refused to reveal the figure because of “commercial sensitivity”.

The marshals were dubbed a “waste of money” when locals spotted them patrolling China town and the West End in August despite rules on social distancing and masks being eased in July.

Many restrictions were lifted in England on July 19 – nightclubs reopened, any number of people could meet indoors, and table service was no longer required in pubs and restaurants.

A statement attached to the information from the council said: “We have adjusted the number of Covid marshals working on any particular day, depending on the regulations that were in place, and the expected footfall within the city.

“The maximum number we have working at any one time since July 19 was 18 (on July 23, 2021) while we currently have five working Monday to Thursday, 10 Friday and Saturday, and none on Sundays.”

They also said there is no fixed budget assigned to Covid marshals but the cost was covered by part of the authority’s overall response to the pandemic, which includes testing, enforcement and vaccinations.

A council spokeswoman said: “The safety of residents and visitors to the city has always been our top priority.

“Covid marshals have provided an invaluable service throughout the pandemic to keep our streets safe and we are proud of their contribution.

“Covid marshals have played a key role in the council’s response to the pandemic, supporting some of the busiest parts of the city by promoting public safety and reducing congestion in areas such as Soho where al fresco schemes are in place.

“They have also supported the council’s Covid-19 vaccination and testing efforts.”

Pictured top: Covid marshals