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"This latest continuation of funding will help councils to provide much-needed support to low income households at risk of poverty and financial hardship, including being able to provide further targeted help to families entitled to Free School Meals during the summer holiday period. Councils can now plan ahead into the early autumn."

Responding to the final Local Government Finance Settlement announced today, Cllr James Jamieson, Chairman of the Local Government Association, said: “We are pleased the Government has acted on our call for desperately-needed new money for councils to meet the rising cost pressures they face this year and published this final settlement quickly so councils can effectively plan how to provide local services. “Extra funding for social care this year, council-tax raising powers and the continuation of key grants confirmed today are good news and will ensure councils can help older and disabled

“The harrowing exploitation of children and young people is a significant, increasing concern for councils who work hard to identify and protect those at risk of abuse.

Cllr Simon Blackburn, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board, responds to the final report of the Joint Committee on the Draft Domestic Abuse Bill.

“The LGA has been calling for councils and fire services to be given effective powers and meaningful sanctions to ensure residents are safe – and feel safe - in their homes."

"Local knowledge and expertise will be crucial in encouraging everyone from all parts of the community to get vaccinated. Councils’ unique relationship with the people they represent mean they are well placed to reach out to those in the priority groups and beyond."

“The coronavirus pandemic has shown that listening and working together can lead to policies that have positive outcomes for our most vulnerable communities, including children and young people from low-income families."

“It is good that the Government has pledged to invest in providing full-fibre broadband in hard-to-reach areas. Councils have long-called for funding and support to bridge the digital connectivity gap so that rural communities are not left behind."

"Councils can’t tackle domestic abuse alone. To help prepare for an expected surge in demand for support from victims as lockdown measures ease, we would like the Government to engage more with police, councils and the Domestic Abuse Commissioner and to create a Domestic Abuse Perpetrator Strategy for England and Wales."

“To further tackle air pollution, the Government needs to use the Queen’s Speech to give councils more powers, like the ability for them all to enforce moving traffic offences."