News

“Ahead of the forthcoming Spending Review, we are urging government to give councils control over the Bus Service Operators’ Grant, and properly fund national free bus pass schemes, which could help us maintain our essential bus services, reduce congestion and protect vital routes.”

The LGA has produced a toolkit aimed at helping those who have other responsibilities, such as looking after children, caring for an older relative or who want to start a family, to be councillors and represent their communities.

Cllr Simon Blackburn, Chair of the Safer and Stronger Communities Board at the LGA, which runs the National FGM Centre in partnership with Barnardo’s, responds to the updated strategy to end violence against women and girls, published by government today.

“With a 26 per cent fall in apprenticeship starts between 2015/16 and 2017/18 and many employers still struggling to spend their funds nearly two years after the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy, further reform to enable greater local flexibility is desperately needed."

“The LGA has been clear all along around the need for additional funding to secure the future of maintained nursery schools and we are pleased the Government has acted on our concerns."

“Despite facing an overall funding gap of £8 billion by 2025, councils still spent more on those aged 0-5 than in any other area of public health, often exceeding the amount given to them by government."

Cllr Richard Watts, Chair of the LGA’s Resources Board responds to the report by the Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee on the future of high streets.

"Our public parks and green spaces are some of our most cherished local services, and this injection of money will boost councils’ efforts to keep these open and in good condition, despite facing significant funding pressures."

“Councils are playing their part when it comes to improving recycling rates with our waste collection services diverting millions of tonnes of waste from landfill every year."

“No council wants to see someone stay in hospital for a day longer than necessary and will continue to work hard with the local NHS amid unprecedented funding pressures to try and help people live independently and reduce demand on the health service."