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“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.”

“The announcement of the first new devolution deals in 20 months is encouraging and will benefit those living in the North of Tyne region and the West Midlands, but many more such deals are needed to reverse the growing sense of stalled progress and missed opportunities across much of the country. “Councils want their residents to be able to enjoy ‘devolution delight’ rather than suffer ‘devolution deadlock’. “The longer it takes to secure new devolution deals, the longer communities will have to wait to benefit from the opportunities currently available to areas where devolution has taken

"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

Cllr Claire Kober, Chair of the Local Government Association's Resources Board, responded to the announcement in the Spring Budget that councils will receive £300 million to provide discretionary business rates relief

"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."

“Councils want to play their full role in preparing people and places for the impacts of climate change on local areas. "

Illegally using a Blue Badge is not a victimless crime. For disabled people, Blue Badges are a vital lifeline that helps them get out and about to visit shops or family and friends. Callous thieves and unscrupulous fraudsters using them illegally are robbing disabled people of this independence.

The theft of Blue Badges has risen by 14 per cent in the past 12 months and more than quadrupled since 2013, councils warn today.

The largest independent providers of children’s social care brought in profits of more than £300 million last year, a new report commissioned by the Local Government Association reveals today.