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The LGA is calling for the Government to provide long-term investment in essential early support and prevention services so councils can help more children to avoid reaching crisis point in the first place.

“With sustainable, long-term funding as part of the Spending Review, councils can also invest in the early intervention and prevention services which provide vital support to young people.”

“National climate change expectations and air quality targets are unlikely to be met unless councils are given long-term funding, devolved powers and easier access to complex government funding pots."

“Councils are doing everything they can to protect youth services but funding pressures and rising demand for other services means they have had to reduce spending on youth services by more than half since 2010."

"It is vital that the planning process is protected as part of this, and that local communities have a say over the area they live in. This is the best way to ensure homes are built to high standards with the necessary infrastructure in place, and affordable housing provided."

Responding to a report by the Children’s Commissioner on the state of children’s mental health services, Cllr Judith Blake, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board, said: “This report supports our call for greater investment in the services that help children have mentally healthy childhoods and reduce the pressure on the services that treat mental illness in children. Supporting children early on to reduce the need for clinical interventions means more can receive help when they need it, rather than waiting until they are unwell. “Waiting too long for

"As the country faces significant skills challenges, councils must be involved in the development of any new immigration system."

Cllr David Renard, the Local Government Association’s housing spokesman, responds to an announcement by the Housing Secretary that councils will receive an extra £112 million to tackle rough sleeping.

“Councils are uniquely placed to build on community strengths in partnership with Arts Council England, and the greatest impact can be achieved through locally-led culture facilities, including museums, libraries and arts organisations."

The fall in bus journeys revealed by this report highlights the urgent need for long-term investment in our country’s local bus networks.