News

Cllr James Jamieson, Chairman of the Local Government Association, responds to the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

“Councils continue to work closely with local businesses to help high streets reopen safely and successfully again from 12 April.”

“The findings of this study are concerning. Although the roll-out of the vaccine is providing us with hope of a return to our normal way of life, the responsibility on us all to get ourselves tested when necessary and share our contacts on request will be needed for some time to come."

“Any incidence of sexual harassment or assault is abhorrent. No child should fear going to school, and it is right that work is being undertaken immediately to consider how schools are working to keep children safe, as well as to give children a safe place to receive support and advice.”

“Local government shares the collective ambition to build more homes in the right locations, genuinely affordable for local people to either rent or buy, of high quality and the right type."

"Vulnerable groups unable to complete the EU Settlement Scheme may be given some flexibility and it will be important to identify well in advance those who may need support to access the scheme after the deadline."

"Everyone agrees that prevention is better than cure. Any move to help make our residents be happier and healthier is encouraging and councils look forward to working with the new Office for Health Promotion."

Non-recyclable materials being placed in the recycling bin contributed to more than half a million tonnes of household recycling being rejected at the point of sorting in 2019/20, the Local Government Association reveals today.

"Councils have played a pivotal role in making the Supporting Families programme a success for some of the most vulnerable families, so it is good that local authorities continue to receive this funding to support this vital service for the coming year as it enters its next phase."

“Holding face to face council meetings, with supporting staff, could easily involve up to 200 people in one room even before adding in members of the public and reporters. This is likely to be a significant challenge with councils, for example, having to source larger venues in order to be able to host meetings with social distancing measures in place, such as full council meetings which will need to be held following the May local elections."