The government’s advice to allow people who are shielding outside has been described as “completely irresponsible”.

Labour-run Hounslow Council says “dropping this major policy change with a day’s notice is simply unacceptable”.

In March, vulnerable people were told they would need to stay at home for 12 weeks.

Government advice now says they can go on walks and meet one other person, but they should not go to shops or work.

Hounslow Council Leader Steve Curran is calling for “urgent clarification” of the rules.