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“Leisure centres play a key role in supporting the recovery of the nation; enabling active lives and tackling health inequalities through the provision of safe, low cost facilities.”

“COVID-19 has reinforced the urgent need for long-term reform of adult social care, including sustainable funding which grows in line with demand, as well as investment to tackle the funding gap between the cost of providing care and what councils pay."

"Given that transport is the biggest emitter of greenhouse gases in the UK, the Transport Decarbonisation Plan is key to how the country will achieve its net-zero ambition."

"This timely strategy is not only an important step towards ensuring all UK residents can navigate the online world safely but recognising the role that libraries can play in achieving this."

Councils, which are responsible for public health services, are committed to continue supporting people with alcohol and other substance misuse problems despite ongoing pressures made worse by the pandemic.

"The COVID-19 crisis has demonstrated the strength of councils' local leadership and the benefits that come from national and local government working together in partnership."

The Local Government Association, which represents councils in England, said people should think carefully before travelling to beaches, parks and other public places and to get in the habit of checking they are safe to visit, following our reaching of step 4 of the Government’s roadmap.

"It is clear that the current high prevalence of COVID-19 has resulted in large numbers of close contacts being required to self-isolate, which is placing pressure on some council services due to staff shortages. Most councils have been able to keep services running but there is a concern that, if rates increase further, many will be forced to prioritise services that protect the most vulnerable in their communities."

Cllr David Renard, Housing Spokesperson for the Local Government Association, responds to the written ministerial statement on Building Beautiful Places.

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