The LGA's media office provides the national voice of local government in England and Wales on the major issues of the day for national, regional and local press.
“The LGA has long called for councils to be given greater freedom to borrow to build new homes and today’s Budget has taken a step towards that by lifting the housing borrowing cap for some councils. This is an important recognition of our argument about the vital role that councils must play to boost homes for local families in need and solve our housing crisis.
“There are other measures in the Budget that will make a difference, especially more funding for Land Assembly, the Housing Infrastructure Fund and for SME builders. These are all measures councils have been making a case for.
“Plan
"Councils recognise the tremendous role that culture and heritage plays in helping to create places where people want to live, work and visit.
“While today’s announcement is helpful, further funding would genuinely make a difference in creating culture-led, place-based development in communities.
"Local authorities, alongside Arts Council England, are this country’s biggest public sector investors in culture.
"Despite significant reductions in central government funding, councils have adopted innovative ways of supporting and boosting culture and heritage. This includes setting up trusts to
“We look forward to seeing more details on these proposals, but it’s essential that any new responsibilities on transport that councils take on are fully funded, and that they are given whatever resources they need to put the appropriate infrastructure in place.”
"It is a completely false economy to put money into the NHS while not addressing the funding crisis in adult social care. This sends a message that if you need social care, you should go to hospital."
"We’ve reached a tipping point where this service can no longer be ignored. It is absolutely crucial that the forthcoming Local Government Finance Settlement addresses this funding gap."
The average house price in England is now almost eight times the average wage, sparking a call from councils to be allowed to invest significantly in house building.