Leeds has been unable to deploy Covid-secure marshals onto the streets after the government failed to provide any funding for the scheme.
The project, announced by prime minister Boris Johnson last week, was aimed at offering a visible presence in the battle against coronavirus in some of the UK's worst-affected cities by providing information, cleaning touchpoints and breaking up large groups.
"We will boost the enforcement capacity of local authorities by introducing Covid-secure marshals to help ensure social distancing in town and city centres," he said.
Westminster officials even claimed that the marshals had already been deployed in Leeds - but that is not the case.
It has since transpired that several councils across the country - including Leeds - have been unable to implement the schemes after no funding was handed over.
Leeds City Council had previously deployed 12 city ambassadors across the city centre for four weeks from July, but this was before Mr Johnson's claims that newly-announced Covid marshals would maintain "stronger enforcement of the rules".
With no additional money forthcoming, a spokesperson for the council said it is "unable to fund any Covid marshal roles at the present time".
'Once we have clarity on the guidance and funding we will be able to give it further consideration'
In a statement, the spokesperson said: "Leeds City Council has not previously operated Covid marshals. However, in July this year, Leeds City Council did introduce a series of measures and guidance for residents, visitors and businesses to help hospitality and entertainment venues prepare to reopen.
"This included the introduction of a small team of 12 city ambassadors to support reopening of non-essential retail and manage social distancing. These were council staff reassigned from their core roles.
"We also introduced six night marshals employed by an external provider who has previously worked with the council. Due to limited resources, these staff operated for a period of 4 weeks and have now returned to their core roles as more sectors in the economy reopen.
"Given the current financial challenges, we are unable to fund any Covid marshal roles at the present time. We are currently liaising with government to understand the guidance and funding for the proposed initiative.
"Once we have clarity on the guidance and funding we will be able to give further consideration to their implementation."
Leeds, which facing a financial black hole of almost £200m related to the pandemic, is not alone in being unable to fund the marshals. Wiltshire Council has confirmed it is not looking to deploy them, while the leader of Newcastle City Council branded the scheme as "serial incompetence".
The government has since admitted that more details are yet to be ironed out on the project, although they stressed that local authorities are "best placed" to come up with a plan for their own marshals.
A spokesperson from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government said: "We are encouraging the introduction of marshals to help support our high streets and public spaces, making sure people feel safe to enjoy them.
"Some areas of the country have already introduced marshals to support the public in following the guidelines in a friendly way and we will be working with councils to see where else they are needed."
