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Immunisation commissioning transfers from NHS England to Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) in April 2027. The LGA says this change risks uncertainty over where responsibility for vaccination sits locally and that this must be made simpler. Currently, it is shared between NHS England, UK Health Security Agency, ICBs and councils.

Councils should not be used to run a national tax for high-value properties that could be expensive for councils, confusing for residents and damaging to local accountability, the Local Government Association warns. The Government’s High Value Council Tax Surcharge (HVCTS) is proposed as a new national tax on homes valued above £2 million. It would be set entirely by central government.  However, under the plans, councils would be responsible for billing, collecting and enforcing the surcharge, despite having no control over the tax rate, eligibility rules or exemptions. Councils would also

Today, the Government announced that bus fares would be capped at £2 for a single journey. Responding, Cllr Liam Robinson said: “This is a positive measure that will help ease the cost of living and mean people can travel more affordably in their area."

“The scale of the challenge in ending homelessness for good is immense and growing, with the highest number of people sleeping rough since records began" said Cllr Liam Robinson, continuing "This is therefore an ambitious and much needed announcement, and we look forward to seeing the finer detail."

"Councils will work with the Prime Minister's government to tackle the biggest issues facing our communities, including long overdue reform of adult social care and ending rough sleeping."

The LGA responds to the Government’s announcement of the Adult Social Care Negotiating Body and first ever Fair Pay Agreement for care workers.

“We know how important affordable holiday childcare provision is for parents and carers, and councils recognise there is a shortage of options, especially for children with SEND.

"The conclusion of the two-year baselining period of inspection marks an important moment for councils’ adult social care teams. Councils have invested a significant amount of time, resource and energy into the assessment process." 

“It is good that government recognises the significant role of unpaid carers as the backbone of care and the need for a cross-government approach. A future social care system should better recognise unpaid carers as partners in care rather than an invisible resource."

“This annual survey highlights the significant pressures councils are under and spotlights their ongoing hard work seeking to ensure everyone who draws on care and support can live independent lives."