News

Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board Cllr Judith Blake, responds to an announcement by the Secretary of State for Education about reforms to the Adoption Support Fund.

“With councils facing extra cost pressures of at least £2.5 billion a year, the next Government needs to commit to moving forward with vital business rates reforms and the LGA looks forward to working with the Government to make this happen.”

LGA spokesperson responds to a planning guidance report on fracking by MPs on the Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee.

“Despite the best of intentions, the current system is not working, and we are pleased government has set out reforms to address this. They will only succeed if parents and carers have confidence in the system."

“This cross-government review of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support is good news and is what the LGA has previously called for."

Councils are working hard to ensure all people, including those with disabilities and their carers, receive high quality, reliable care and support, as well as information and advice, to help them lead independent and fulfilling lives.

“Only with the right funding and powers can councils continue to make a difference to people’s lives by supporting families and young people and help tackle serious violent crime in our local communities.”

“It is important our communities are not cut off from the digital age, and the £1 billion Shared Rural Network deal is good news for our communities, especially in rural areas."

“It’s heart-breaking to think of any child experiencing homelessness, especially at Christmas, which is why councils are focused on trying to prevent homelessness happening in the first place."

“With council housing waiting lists set to potentially nearly double as a result of COVID-19, we are calling for councils to be given powers to kickstart a post-pandemic building boom of 100,000 new social homes for rent each year, including reform of Right to Buy.”