News

Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, responds to to the publication of the Government’s green paper on prevention.

Cllr Mark Hawthorne, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s People and Places Board, responds to the report from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development into employers’ under-investment in training.

“We cannot duck this issue as a society any longer. What we need is answers and certainty, now and for the future."

"Although it is two years since we raised the need to look at High Pressure Laminate (HPL) with government, five years since an HPL system combined with combustible insulation failed a fire test and 10 years since HPL panels helped spread the fire at Lakanal House where six people died, advice has only just been issued on the level of risk posed by HPL cladding."

“Rising knife crime is causing horrendous destruction and grief in our communities and councils are uncovering some shocking cases of illegal knife sales which risk fuelling this tragic epidemic. Retailers must ask for proof of age if they suspect the buyer is under 25."

The Local Government Association is launching its third year of the Housing Advisers Programme, an innovative scheme to help councils overcome housing challenges in their local areas, with bids invited from today.

“Ultimately, if councils are to improve recycling rates, the new Prime Minister needs to use the Spending Review to address the £8 billion funding gap councils in England face by 2025.”

“Ultimately, if councils are to improve recycling rates, the new Prime Minister needs to use the Spending Review to address the £8 billion funding gap councils in England face by 2025.”

​​​​​​​The Government’s plans to introduce a compulsory register for home-educated children risk failing children’s safety unless councils are given the powers to enter a premises to check on a child’s schooling, councils warn today.

“We are concerned amending the Crime and Disorder Act will not create the required step-change to tackle serious violent crime, particularly if this is not supported with extra funding."