News

A chronic shortage of affordable housing is forcing cash-strapped councils to spend more than £2 million a day on temporary accommodation for homeless families, analysis by the Local Government Association reveals today.

As pupils have broken up from school, 119,830 children in England will be living in temporary accommodation during the end-of-year break, according to latest government figures.

​​​​​​​More than a million homes granted planning permission in the past decade have not yet been built, according to new analysis by the Local Government Association.

People are being urged to ensure vulnerable friends, neighbours and relatives are safe when the big freeze bites, with a high chance of snow and ice in parts of the country.

The LGA is warning that the fine amount is too low and might let unscrupulous businesses off the hook.

It is not just those who may be more vulnerable who are at risk from these extreme temperatures. Anyone could potentially fall ill if they have not taken adequate precautions.

"Councils want to make sure everyone is safe around water, which is why we are urging people to follow our advice to be careful and vigilant to the dangers."

“If we are to truly level up, we must focus on reducing poor health outcomes as well as economic imbalances between regions. It is encouraging that the levelling up white paper is expected to address narrowing the gap in healthy life expectancy and reducing obesity."

Councils are urging residents to keep an eye on vulnerable or elderly family and friends and help save lives as the nation heads outside to bask in the sunshine. 

As Britain braces itself for a heatwave this week, councils are urging people to take all necessary health precautions against the rising temperatures, while maintaining social distancing and protecting those most vulnerable to coronavirus.