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"More than 85 per cent of the potential core funding increase next year is dependent on councils increasing council tax by up to 5 per cent next year."

“With council housing waiting lists set to potentially nearly double as a result of COVID-19, we are calling for councils to be given powers to kickstart a post-pandemic building boom of 100,000 new social homes for rent each year, including reform of Right to Buy.”

“We have been clear all along that algorithms and formulas can never be a substitute for local knowledge and decision-making by councils and communities who know their areas best."

“Efforts to get people sleeping rough off the streets and stop people from becoming homeless during the COVID-19 pandemic, has shown that it is possible to make a significant difference to the numbers of people forced to sleep on the streets."

"Councils are now looking after nearly 16,000 more children than they were 10 years ago."

Responding to a report by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman on councils’ children in care services, Cllr Judith Blake, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board, said: “Looking after vulnerable children is a top priority for councils, which work extremely hard to ensure that all children in care get the love and support that they need to flourish. This report provides useful guidance to help councils continuously improve to achieve this goal. “Unfortunately, many councils are being pushed to the brink by unprecedented demand and increasing

 “Every suicide is a tragedy and it is worrying that today’s analysis has shown particularly high rates among males and in certain age groups, including a long-term increase in under-25s."

“This report reinforces the significant budget reductions councils have experienced and increasing numbers of children needing urgent help. As the impact of the pandemic becomes clear, councils expect to see a significant rise in referrals to children’s social care and demand for wider children’s support services."

"Councils have played a crucial role during the pandemic and have demonstrated how vital local knowledge and expertise is in combating the virus and protecting their communities."

“The pandemic has led to rising numbers of families facing exceptionally difficult circumstances and councils have worked tirelessly with schools to keep them open and children and their families safe and well, through online and virtual contact and resources, as well as high priority home visits."