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New research has found that integrated services are key to meeting the national target of achieving 75 per cent of five-year-olds with a good level of development (GLD) by 2028, but that workforce shortages and limited access to high-quality early years education are restricting progress.

"It’s never too late to catch up on vaccines. Councils will continue to play a central role in providing trusted information to families and helping tackle misinformation so that more children are protected from preventable illness."

Research by the LGA shows that councils are actively working to improve digital inclusion, but progress is being hampered by funding challenges and a lack of national coordination.

“This investment is positive for communities across the country, which will help cultural institutions stabilise, address urgent maintenance needs, and begin to plan for growth rather than simply survival.

“Councils want every child to have the best start in life, but national prioritisation and investment in early years public health and the health visiting workforce have not kept pace with need."

Councils are pleased to see the significant investment behind the measures in this Plan, which will help cut bills and make homes warmer, safer and healthier.

One in 10 councils with social care responsibilities and two thirds of district councils face real-term funding cuts this year (2026/27), the Local Government Association (LGA) is warning today. The LGA, which represents councils across England, said it is right that steps have been taken to reform the local government finance system, multi-year settlements, including for the Public Health Grant, and grant consolidation and simplification. Councils are at the heart of every national priority. Extra funding for children’s services and to reflect the growth in EHCPs and specialist provision and

“As part of reforming the SEND system, it is vital that our education system becomes more inclusive, so that more children with SEND can attend their local mainstream school.

"Local government needs to be part of decision-making to avoid a scenario where the introduction of an FPA jeopardises the supply of care and sustainability of council finances.” 

“Transport infrastructure is absolutely vital for unlocking growth, and strong, well-planned networks are the backbone of inclusive, sustainable, and thriving local economies... [these] announcements are therefore very positive for local authorities in the North."