News

The Government has listened to the concerns of councils and is to overhaul the Housing, Health and Safety Rating System. This will help improve councils’ ability to uphold standards in the private rented sector.

Cllr Richard Watts, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Resources Board, responds to a report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies on local government funding.

Cllr Richard Watts, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Resources Board, responds to the report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies on the devolution of local taxation to councils.

"This is an important first step to addressing councils’ concerns about the quality, costs and oversight of some supported housing accommodation. We also look forward to seeing the detail of the pilot work."

“We need a new national focus on helping everyone stay mentally well, including those affected by COVID-19, backed-up by funding for councils to spend with the voluntary and community sector on meeting local mental wellbeing needs."

Cllr Ian Stephens, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Fire Services Management Committee, responds to the second tranche of a national report on fire and rescue services by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services.

“This report adds to the stark evidence, highlighted by the pandemic, about what keeps people healthy and what else needs to be done to spend more years in good health."

Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, responds to a report by the Institute for Public Policy Research calling for a new approach to public health and prevention.

“Ultimately, if councils are to improve recycling rates, the new Prime Minister needs to use the Spending Review to address the £8 billion funding gap councils in England face by 2025.”

“Ahead of the forthcoming Spending Review, we are urging government to give councils control over the Bus Service Operators’ Grant, and properly fund national free bus pass schemes, which could help us maintain our essential bus services, reduce congestion and protect vital routes.”