COUNCILLORS have described the supply of the Covid-19 vaccines as “erratic” amid disputes over the amount available in London compared to other parts of the UK.

It comes as it was reported that the North East and Yorkshire would have its vaccine supply cut next week to ensure other regions catch up.

Labour councillor Sue Lukes told a committee meeting last week: “Health staff don’t necessarily know from one day to the next. Sometimes they get more and sometimes less than they’re told. That does mean that you’ve then got to try and rejig the lists and get more in or tell people sorry, not today.”

Cllr Lukes described the supply as “erratic” saying: “They are hoping it is going to be resolved over the next period because I think there has been quite a strong representation made to central government because London has been undersupplied with vaccines compared with other parts of the country.”

NHS figures show 50 per cent of Londoners aged 80 and over have received their first jab whilst 67 per cent have had access in the North East of England and Yorkshire.

Meanwhile Stephen Taylor, director of health and adult social care, said all Islington residents in care homes were offered the vaccine and just over 50 per cent took up the offer.

He told last week’s committee meeting: “All care homes, extra care housing and mental health care homes in Islington have been offered the first intake of the vaccine. We held a webinar this week for 240 frontline staff which was to try and offer reassurance give facts and do a lot of myth busting around the vaccination.”

Health Secretary Matt Hancock told parliament last week: “We have got to make sure that the vaccination programme is fair right across the UK. We do have to make sure that the vaccination programme is fair everywhere so that everyone in the top four groups can receive that offer of a vaccine by February 15.”