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Responding to the Centre for Ageing Better’s ‘State of Ageing in 2020’ report, Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, said: “This latest report is another important warning that the impact of coronavirus could have far reaching consequences for everyone, from all ages and backgrounds. “Councils play a crucial role in improving and maintaining their residents’ health and wellbeing, including for older people. During this incredibly difficult period, councils want to continue doing all they can to ensure our older people have access to the

“Every part of the care and support sector is under intense pressure due to the current crisis and councils are doing all they can to support carers and those they care for through this."

“Unpaid carers provide vital support for thousands of people every day, which councils fully recognise and want to help in any way they can."

"It is encouraging that today’s Budget signals a shift towards more spending on local priorities, such as building homes, boosting connectivity and filling potholes."

“This new strategy, the first of its kind to cover children and young people as well as adults, rightly focuses on supporting autistic people to live their lives in their communities, widening the focus beyond social care and health services.

“Councils have been working hard to maintain and expand access to sexual and reproductive health services, both during and prior to the pandemic, despite severe funding pressures."

"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."

"Councils have played a crucial role during the current crisis and have demonstrated the strength that comes from local leaders able to work with others and their communities."

Cllr Anita Lower, the LGA’s FGM lead spokesperson and Chair of the Advisory Board at the National FGM Centre, responds to new annual figures on the number of identified cases of FGM in England.

"We want to work quickly with government to clarify the details of the funding, including how it will be distributed and any guidance on how it must be used."