News

“Rising knife crime is causing horrendous destruction and grief in our communities and councils are uncovering some shocking cases of illegal knife sales which risk fuelling this tragic epidemic. Retailers must ask for proof of age if they suspect the buyer is under 25."

“We cannot duck this issue as a society any longer. What we need is answers and certainty, now and for the future."

Cllr Mark Hawthorne, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s People and Places Board, responds to the report from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development into employers’ under-investment in training.

Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, responds to to the publication of the Government’s green paper on prevention.

Cllr James Jamieson, Chairman of the LGA, responds to the announcement that Boris Johnson is to become the next Prime Minister.

“We are pleased Defra has listened to many of our concerns, including seeking further evidence on mandatory free garden waste collections, and recognising the need for local flexibility on compulsory food waste collections and separate collections of materials for recycling."

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.

Body-conscious gym and beauty fans are risking their health by taking dangerous and sometimes illegal drugs to improve their appearance in time for their summer holidays, councils warn today.

“We support the measures announced today to boost cities, towns and regions - this is good news for local communities and businesses seeking to improve their prospects."

Cllr Anntoinette Bramble, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board, responds to a report from The Education Policy Institute on educational attainment between disadvantaged pupils and their peers.