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“We want to work closely with government on a cross-departmental homelessness prevention strategy, which sees councils supported with long-term funding to prevent homelessness from happening in the first place, with the changes to welfare benefits introduced following the coronavirus outbreak maintained for as long as they are needed.”

A survey by the LGA, which represents councils, found 82 per cent of respondents felt it was important to be able to comment on individual plans for all housing developments in their local area.

“Ahead of the first ever World Drowning Prevention Day, it is more important than ever to highlight the need to be aware of water safety."

“Our public parks and green spaces are some of our most cherished local services that benefit people of all ages and backgrounds, and as one of the largest providers of these facilities councils are committed to ensuring these spaces continue to be accessible for everyone.”

Cllr James Jamieson, Chairman of the Local Government Association, responds to the publication of government guidance on exemptions from self-isolation for critical workers.

"The Committee shares our concerns over the quality of homes built under permitted development rights and the adverse impact this could have on our high streets, which councils want to see prosper and thrive, with a vibrant range of uses, including retail, culture, sport and leisure. This is why we would like to see the permitted development right removed."

Councils are determined to help tackle violence against women and girls (VAWG) in our local communities, and work alongside police, the NHS, and charities to make sure we do all we can to protect women and girls from all forms of abuse.

“Every life lost to COVID-19 is a tragedy and it is heartbreaking for families who lost loved ones who were living in care homes and unable to be as close to them in their final moments, as we would all wish, due to restrictions."

“This new strategy, the first of its kind to cover children and young people as well as adults, rightly focuses on supporting autistic people to live their lives in their communities, widening the focus beyond social care and health services.

“No community should miss out on the opportunity for better health and wellbeing, if we are to build back better from the pandemic.”