News

“Housing must be a central part of the national recovery from coronavirus. Now is the time for a genuine renaissance in council house-building that reduces homelessness, gets rough sleepers off the streets for good, supports people’s wellbeing and is climate-friendly.”

"It is vital that the Spending Review shifts the Government’s focus towards the key drivers of homelessness, including a lack of affordable housing, welfare-related poverty, and a lack of an integrated prevention approach."

“It is great that the Government has recognised the importance of culture to the social fabric of our nation by announcing this funding which will be a lifeline to many theatres, galleries and museums which have been severely impacted by coronavirus."

“It is good that government has brought forward measures to ensure that planning departments can continue to operate effectively within current public health guidelines."

"We are pleased the Government is investing in improving local bus services, and it is good this strategy recognises the important role of councils".

Responding to the Government’s building safety announcement, Lord Porter, the Local Government Association’s building safety spokesman, said: “Residents have a right to be safe and feel safe in their own homes. This is even more important during the current coronavirus pandemic, as so many people are confined to their homes. “The Government’s announcement that the remediation of cladding remains a top priority is positive news, and industry and duty-holders now need to step up and deliver the work required. Leaseholders, who are facing a triple whammy of mortgage refusals, spiralling

“Councils want to work with schools and local health teams to do all they can to ensure staff, pupils, parents and visitors can be in school settings, safely and securely, without risk of passing on coronavirus.”

"Councils can’t tackle domestic abuse alone. To help prepare for an expected surge in demand for support from victims as lockdown measures ease, we would like the Government to engage more with police, councils and the Domestic Abuse Commissioner and to create a Domestic Abuse Perpetrator Strategy for England and Wales."

“The coronavirus pandemic has shown that listening and working together can lead to policies that have positive outcomes for our most vulnerable communities, including children and young people from low-income families."

"Local knowledge and expertise will be crucial in encouraging everyone from all parts of the community to get vaccinated. Councils’ unique relationship with the people they represent mean they are well placed to reach out to those in the priority groups and beyond."