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“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."

"Councils want to work with government on a child-centred, cross-government pandemic recovery plan which offers the very best future for children and families."

“It is essential that councils have the capacity, workforce and funding to stand up locally-driven testing and contact tracing as soon as possible, to be able to respond swiftly to any future outbreaks or public health emergency.”

“The adjustment of the taper rate of Universal Credit and the increase in the work allowance announced today is an important part of supporting recovery from the pandemic, which should help to mitigate some but not all of the impact of the ending of the Universal Credit uplift."

"The LGA has long made the case for the importance of green and outdoor spaces for people’s health and wellbeing. This funding is a positive step and will enable more local authorities to create spaces to enable communities to build activity in their daily lives."

Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson, Chair of the LGA’s Culture, Tourism and Sport Board responds to the Government’s announcement in the Spending Review of funding for the UK’s culture, tourism and sport sectors.

"Councils and combined authorities know their communities best and are uniquely placed to bring together partners to help deliver this funding including through adult and community learning centres."

"The package of measures announced today aimed at preventing crime, reducing wait times in the criminal courts and improving services available to prison leavers provides funding for a wide range of areas the LGA has previously called for investment in."

“To further support the education of children with special educational needs and disabilities, the Government should urgently complete its ongoing review of the SEND system"

“Councils want to work with government to prioritise a child-centred recovery plan which offers the brightest future for children and families as we recover from the pandemic – it is essential this plan goes beyond the First 1000 days so that councils can intervene early at whichever stage families need it."