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“The Government needs to urgently complete its positive ongoing review of the SEND system. This needs to set out reforms that increase mainstream inclusion, provide councils with long-term certainty of funding to meet immense demand for SEND support."

Cllr Anntoinette Bramble, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board, responds to a report by the Education Policy Institute on unexplained pupil exits from schools.

“The Government needs to go further to help schools pay for the cost of the pandemic. Unless the COVID-19 workforce fund is extended after Christmas, backdated and eligibility for it widened, more schools will have no option but to close after having spent their budgets on supply teachers, which will only serve to exacerbate growing attainment gaps.”

“Mental health needs to be at heart of a holistic approach to overall health and wellbeing, which includes access to parks and green spaces, meeting housing needs and providing learning and training opportunities.”

Cllr Martin Tett, LGA Environment spokesman, responds to the Environmental Audit Committee’s report on the Government’s 25 year Environment Plan.

“Long-term funding would empower councils to be able to properly plan activity focused on the needs of local communities as a whole to support the delivery of net zero.”

"It is good that the Environmental Audit Committee’s report recognises that the Government should prioritise effective implementation of net gain into the planning system."

"We are pleased to see the reintroduction of the Environment Bill. The legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic must be that we grasp the opportunity to protect and enhance our natural environment and tackle the climate emergency."

"Councils are taking practical steps to support those in their communities this winter, to address immediate hardship and improve people’s financial resilience and wellbeing, including through their use of the Household Support Fund."

“It is vital there is a plan in place to support and protect households to stay in their homes, in as many cases as possible."