Local elections will go ahead in May despite the ongoing pandemic, Sky News reports.

There has been some uncertainty with the future of local elections scheduled for May 6, 2021.

Last year a number of elections in Hertfordshire – including some district and boroughs and the police commissioner – were postponed, amid fears electioneering and voting could increase the spread of the virus.

But the elections will go ahead for May, and voters will be asked to bring their own pens or pencis to fill ballots, while also wearing a face covering.

Polling stations will be restructured with divider screens, social distanicng markers and hand sanitiser.

Councils are expected to be given around £90m for the elections, with £31m of which set to make counts Covid-secure.

Chloe Smith, constitution and devolution minister, said: "We are publishing a detailed plan to deliver May's elections in a safe and secure way.

"This is backed up by additional funding for councils, and practical changes to electoral laws to help both voters and candidates.

"Democracy should not be cancelled because of COVID.

"More than ever, local people need their say as we build back better, on issues ranging from local roads, to safer streets, to the level of council tax.

"As the government rolls out the vaccine to the most vulnerable, we will be able to leave lockdown and open our country up safely again.

"We will work with political parties to ensure that these important elections are free and fair."