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The cost of providing a breakthrough drug which could lead to the end of HIV nationwide needs to be fully funded before its roll out by councils across the country, or many will be at risk of being unable to afford to deliver it, the Local Government Association warns today. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) will be made routinely available from April via local authorities’ public health services, following a successful impact trial. The daily medication is recommended for people at high risk and is considered a game-changer in the fight against HIV, by being highly effective in reducing the

Council staff are working flat out round-the-clock repairing the damage caused by Storm Ciara.

Responding to the request by the Chairman of the Grenfell Inquiry’s request to the Attorney General to grant witnesses immunity, Lord Porter, building safety spokesman for the Local Government Association, said:  “The LGA is extremely concerned at the possibility that some witnesses to the Grenfell Inquiry could be granted immunity from having any evidence they give to the inquiry used in subsequent prosecutions against them. “The Grenfell Tower fire was an unacceptable failure of building safety that must never be allowed to happen again. All those involved in any way have a duty to fully

Responding to the final Local Government Finance Settlement announced today, Cllr James Jamieson, Chairman of the Local Government Association, said: “We are pleased the Government has acted on our call for desperately-needed new money for councils to meet the rising cost pressures they face this year and published this final settlement quickly so councils can effectively plan how to provide local services. “Extra funding for social care this year, council-tax raising powers and the continuation of key grants confirmed today are good news and will ensure councils can help older and disabled

“Local bus services can be a lifeline to older and vulnerable residents and can also play a key role in tackling congestion and reducing greenhouse gases"

Council employees have been offered a pay increase of 2 per cent from 1 April 2020.

“These latest figures are another warning of the dangers of regular drinking over a long period of time and the impact this can have on older people."

"It is good that the Government is planning to bring forward the ban on selling new petrol and diesel cars and the switch to cleaner vehicles."

The LGA is calling for the Government to provide long-term investment in essential early support and prevention services so councils can help more children to avoid reaching crisis point in the first place.

“With sustainable, long-term funding as part of the Spending Review, councils can also invest in the early intervention and prevention services which provide vital support to young people.”