The LGA's media office provides the national voice of local government in England and Wales on the major issues of the day for national, regional and local press.
"The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that access to a good quality, affordable broadband connection is vital for our communities and it is very concerning that people are priced out of this. We continue to call for a ‘social tariff’ to ensure a basic service is available at an affordable price to those most in need."
Cllr Richard Watts, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Resources Board, responds to the report by Citizens Advice on council tax collection practices.
“We are pleased that the Government’s strategy has placed youth services back on the agenda, and we look forward to working with them on the review of youth services guidance in light of the increasingly challenging context that councils are working in."
Lord Porter, Chairman of the Local Government Association, responds to the announcement that the Government will pay for the replacement of flammable cladding on private tower blocks.
“Councils are determined to reduce the impact of harmful emissions on the health of our communities but if the Government’s air quality plans and any new local powers are to be successful, they need to be underpinned by local flexibility and sufficient funding.
“Councils also need local powers to further tackle air pollution, particularly with regard to moving traffic offences, government support on planning and transport matters, and robust national action to help the country transition to low-emission vehicles and power generation.”
"We are pleased the government has listened to councils and is taking action to prevent owners of properties which are not genuine businesses exploiting the rules."
“We urge the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care to consider these recommendations in their final report and are keen to work with the Government to ensure that children can live in the homes that best suit their needs and where they can thrive.”
“The CMA has confirmed our recent findings that private equity providers are making extremely high profits and carrying concerning levels of debt that risks the stability of homes for children in care, which is paramount if they are to thrive."
"We are pleased that this review draws on our earlier research and aims to consider many of our concerns around the ‘market’ for children’s social care provision and how this impacts on children."
“To ensure a successful recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, communities need stability and certainty in planning. This can only be achieved through a locally-led, well-resourced planning system where communities have a proper say over developments in their local area."