Local Government Association

We welcome the proposal to increase planning application fees. However, our modelling has shown that even if all application fees were uplifted by 35 per cent, the overall national shortfall for 2020/21 would have remained above £80 million. Councils must have the flexibility to set planning fees at local level to cover their costs relating to planning, which could include the employment of additional qualified planners. This would put councils in a stronger position to address the skills and capacity challenges in planning departments.

Councils can use this free toolkit – developed by Local Partnerships and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) – to make their business process mapping of procurement easier.

The Government’s Anti-social Behaviour Action Plan and consultation sets out its approach to stamping out anti-social behaviour. Councils look forward to seeing more details of how the action plan will work in practice, as well as how the plan will  be funded. The LGA will work closely with the Government given the plan’s commitments to fund more uniformed local authority wardens and to explore funding models with PCCs and councils.

“This helpful roadmap adds to the growing body of evidence and reports that show the significant pressure social care is facing. It also rightly puts people who draw on care and support at the centre, articulating the huge value and reach of social care."

This guide sets out the steps which should be taken to make valid alterations whilst avoiding claims for breach of contract, unlawful deduction of wages, protective awards and unfair dismissal.

Through Her Eyes is Southwark Council’s campaign tackling misogyny. Centred on a highly impactful video, the campaign encourages men and boys to challenge their own attitudes and behaviour, and that of others. This was distilled into the one key campaign message - 'see it, stop it'.

Refine your leadership skills with our councillor e-learning modules and workbooks, expand your knowledge and networks at our councillor events, and subscribe to our e-bulletins on the policy areas that most interest you.