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“As this report recommends, it is crucial that councils receive regular, secure access to data, so that they can reach out and support the right people at the right time."

Cllr Simon Blackburn, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board, responds to a National Audit Office report on the Government’s approach to tackling serious and organised crime.

“Councils face significant financial challenges to deliver much-needed SEND support to all those who need it and to meet rising demand, reporting a spending deficit of £675 million last year."

With longer-term certainty of funding and sufficient access to independent expert support, councils can help motorists switch to zero emission vehicles to achieve the Government's 2050 target.

Councils have long called for the packaging industry to get around the table with us to reduce the amount of unrecyclable material that goes into packaging.

“Levelling up has great potential to transform people’s lives and livelihoods, with councils best placed to make this happen."

“Bus services have a critical role to play in the national recovery from COVID-19 and beyond, through supporting local economies, tackling poor air quality and congestion and reaching the country’s net-zero carbon targets by 2050."

"The focus on both short-term funding crises and reducing pressure on acute and inpatient services, rather than prevention and wider community support work by councils, is hindering the ability to transform health and social care services. "

“We would also like to see the Government establish a national framework where it works with councils and businesses to tackle the climate emergency, setting out clear roles and a commitment to co-operation from all public sector bodies.”

Cllr Simon Blackburn, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board, responds to a National Audit Office report on ensuring food safety and standards.