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.
Lord Porter, Chairman of the Local Government Association, responds to the announcement by Communities Secretary James Brokenshire that the Government will launch a consultation into banning the use of combustible materials in cladding and insulation systems on high-rise residential buildings.
Responding to the Commission on Young Lives report into children’s social care, suggesting it is potentially unfit for purpose, Cllr Anntoinette Bramble, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board, said:
“Keeping children and young people safe is one of the most important roles that councils have. However, a huge increase in demand at a time when council budgets have been significantly reduced is making it increasingly difficult to carry out this role effectively for all children. Despite increasing children’s social care budgets by over £1 billion over the
"It is clear that the current high prevalence of COVID-19 has resulted in large numbers of close contacts being required to self-isolate, which is placing pressure on some council services due to staff shortages. Most councils have been able to keep services running but there is a concern that, if rates increase further, many will be forced to prioritise services that protect the most vulnerable in their communities."
“The proposals announced today do reflect many of the calls we have made, but there is still work to do to drive these reforms forward and this must happen as soon as possible"
“We are pleased that the Government has listened to the concerns of the LGA, local councils and our partners across the public sector and decided against the introduction of mandatory reporting of child abuse."
“Councils are doing everything in their power to provide high quality adult and social care support to adults of all ages in very difficult circumstances."
“We support calls in the report for a review of the early years system to ensure that investment supports the Government’s ambitions and that parents are clear on the best options for their children".
"Historic underfunding and wider council pressures have left local authority early years teams less prepared to support providers with the expansion, despite concerted effort."