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The Government has announced an extra £20 billion for the NHS, but is now taking vital money away from the services which can be used to prevent illness and the need for treatment later down the line.

Responding to today’s written ministerial statement confirming a cut to councils’ public health grants, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, Cllr Izzi Seccombe

"Councils want every child to have a good quality of life and be able to improve their circumstances regardless of their background or where they live. It is absolutely right that the DfE is embracing the social mobility agenda, but this goes much further than just education."

“The inclusion of councils in the Government’s six-month energy price guarantee announced today is a positive step which should help mitigate against some of the extra pressures councils face this year as a result of spiralling energy costs."

“It is absolutely critical that the Government brings forward its Green Paper on the future of social care announced in the Queen’s Speech, and that it works with local government leaders in delivering a long-term sustainable solution for social care."

“Councils know that having a reliable and efficient waste collection and recycling service is hugely important to residents."

“Years of unprecedented central government funding cuts have left many councils beyond the point where council tax income can be expected to plug the growing funding gaps they face."

"We look forward to working with Michael Gove as our new Secretary of State at MHCLG to build on this and ensure councils are backed with the resources and freedoms they need to build back local from the pandemic, level up communities and deliver more for our residents and communities.”

“Over recent years councils have created an extra 600,000 new places. This is a demonstrable record that they are doing everything they can to rise to the challenge of ensuring no child goes without a place."

“We are pleased that a further £102 million has been announced for the Additional Restrictions Grant. Councils will look forward to accessing this as soon as possible to ensure as many businesses in their area can benefit as possible.”