News

“With councils still facing a funding gap of more than £3 billion in 2019/20, it is disappointing that the Chancellor has missed the opportunity to use today’s Spring Statement to provide further desperately-needed funding for our under-pressure local services this year.

Lord Porter, the LGA’s building safety spokesman, responds to the Government consultation on sprinklers and other fire safety measures in high-rise blocks.

“These figures highlight the increased demand pressures on councils as they strive to provide homelessness support and underlines the urgent need for these services to be adequately funded.

Councils, which are responsible for public health, run a range of innovative programmes to help people quit smoking and have taken great strides in helping people to stub out tobacco for good. Despite this, smoking is still the leading cause of preventable death, responsible for nearly 79,000 deaths a year.

Every suicide that takes place is a tragedy and it’s everybody’s business to work together to tackle this tragic loss of life and support all of those affected by it.

“Councils remain concerned that the ending of the ban could see a rise in homelessness. They will continue to support tenants who are experiencing financial difficulty, but want to work with government on a long-term plan that will safeguard renters and help them to stay in their homes, in as many cases as possible."

“This announcement will help address the growing number of people living longer with increasingly complex needs who want to live independent lives in their own homes and communities, rather than being stuck in a hospital bed or unsuitable accommodation."

"Had the appeal been upheld, care providers and councils providing social care would have faced massive bills, which would have increased the huge financial pressures they are already facing."

Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, responds to survey by the Care and Support Alliance.

“It is essential that we have enough childcare places to support families to ensure the country can recover from COVID-19, both economically and socially."