News

The latest round of the LGA’s Behavioural Insights Programme has seen funding awarded to eight local authorities.

“Unfortunately, these new scams are not the first we’ve seen related to COVID-19 and they most likely won’t be the last. Everyone must be vigilant and scrutinise any message claiming to be from the Government, NHS, HMRC, Ofcom or their local authority."

Baroness Grey-Thompson, currently an LGA Vice-President, will succeed outgoing President Lord Kerslake and will be formally elected at the LGA’s General Assembly in July.

“The safest option this year would be to give fireworks a miss and find a different way of celebrating, but we know many will want to have a home display. If they do it is vital that they are familiar with the Firework Code and ensure they purchase legal and safe fireworks.”

Businesses and other services looking to reopen from Monday 29 March should ensure they carry out vital safety checks to avoid increasing the risk of the potentially fatal Legionnaires’ disease in their water supply, the LGA and CIEH urge.

"Buying pets from licensed sellers ensures the animals meet certain regulations and will have come from safe conditions. It also means that the seller can be traced if any issues arise after purchase."

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.

A coalition of councils, charities and campaigners - including those with experience of the children’s care system - has written a joint open letter to the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt urging him in Wednesday’s Autumn Statement to provide the funding children’s social care “desperately needs…before it is pushed to the brink”.

“Our six-point plan would give councils a better chance of being able to move homeless children into permanent accommodation "

“It is crucial now that government, industry and councils all put the foot to the floor in planning full implementation from 2025, and that Government extend EPR to cover other material types beyond just packaging.”