News

The LGA has long-called for more public transport funding so it is pleasing to see this echoed by an overwhelming majority of motorists who would use more public transport if it was better.

“Bridges are a vital part of our highways infrastructure that connect communities and business. Councils are doing their best to ensure they are well maintained and withstand extreme weather. However, this is becoming increasingly challenging in the face of a backlog of nearly £10 billion to bring our roads up to scratch.”

Councils are on the side of all road users, fixing a pothole every 17 seconds and want to work with government to tackle our national road repairs backlog.

“Keeping roads safe for all users is one of the most important jobs councils do and is reflected in the fact that local authorities are fixing a pothole every 21 seconds. “However, only long-term, consistent and fairer government investment in local road maintenance can allow councils to embark on the widespread improvement of our roads that is desperately needed. Spending 52 times more on maintaining our national roads when very few journeys begin and end on a motorway or trunk road will only serve to help motorists reach increased delays and congestion on local roads more quickly. “The LGA

“Councils are playing a pivotal role in tackling air pollution to improve people’s health and quality of life, including working with schools to set up car free streets to prevent engine idling."

“This report rightly reinforces our call for public health funding reductions to be reversed, in order to help councils protect children’s health and reduce inequalities."

Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, responds to the latest Office for National Statistics data showing a record number of deaths caused by alcohol during the first nine months of 2020.

Cllr Linda Thomas, Vice Chair of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, responds to a new Bill published today on reforms to Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS).

“While it is good that councils will receive initial one-year funding to deliver the scheme at the same level, this needs to be followed through with long-term funding in the Spending Review."

“National climate change expectations and air quality targets are unlikely to be met unless councils are given long-term funding, devolved powers and easier access to complex government funding pots."