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.
Tougher powers are needed for councils to oversee and regulate out-of-school settings (OOSS) – including being able to shut down illegal schools – after an independent report commissioned by the Government uncovered major safeguarding concerns.
The Department for Education funded a pilot in 16 council areas over an 18-month period into the oversight of OOSS, examining safeguarding risks and existing legal powers available to councils.
OOSS is a wide range of provision including uniformed organisations, sports and leisure clubs, supplementary schools, faith-based organisations and arts clubs
“While it is good the Government will continue to help the public sector as well as businesses keep their energy bills lower and provided some certainty for the next 12 months, we remain deeply concerned about the risk to some council services."
"We are pleased the review recognises the importance of local government in delivering net zero", said Cllr David Renard, Environment spokesperson for the Local Government Association.
Responding to Office for Health Improvement and Disparities figures showing that the number of people accessing drug and alcohol treatment services has increased.
"Councils are pleased to see some further details for how the deposit return schemes (DRS) would work, but need to understand how the implementation of DRS will work alongside other planned waste reforms, such as the plans for packagers to pay for waste processing. "
“Today’s final settlement confirms an increase in local government core spending power, which will help councils deal with inflationary and other cost pressures they face next year."
“We have long argued that stopping terrorism requires a broad and joined-up approach. Investing in a long-term approach, which includes a multi-agency support offer for those at risk, is vital in addressing some of the wider issues that may contribute to individuals becoming radicalised and create tensions in our communities.
An alarming number of cherished bus routes could be lost forever from April without further Government funding support and a long-term plan to keep them running, councils and transport groups are warning today.