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The new report, Securing the Future of Public Sport and Leisure Services published in partnership with the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) and Chief Cultural and Leisure Officers Association (CLOA) evaluates the current state of public sport and leisure services and sets out recommendations to ensure the survival and development of the sector.  Councils are currently the biggest investor in sport, leisure, parks and green spaces, spending £1.1 billion per year in England. They are unique in what they offer for communities, providing lifelong opportunities for all to be

The Government is likely to fail to invest almost £1 billion in local communities through the European Social Fund (ESF) risking the money being sent back to Brussels, with the deadline for the money to be spent fast approaching, the Local Government Association has warned today.

Council leaders say these figures prove why it is vital the Chancellor announces new funding for children’s services in Monday’s Autumn Budget.

“Twelve million people – the combined population of London, Greater Manchester and Staffordshire – will be without a job or in work they are over-qualified for by 2024."

Telephone boxes are being used to “smuggle” advertising on to high streets across the country, with some areas experiencing an increase in applications of more than 900 per cent in two years.

“The pandemic has taken its toll on children and young people, including their education and social routines, but this disruption has been worse for those with special educational needs and disabilities"

"It is the job of councils to plan the future shape of our towns and cities and we hope this guide will serve as a useful primer to get local politicians and senior officers thinking about the impact on their area.”

The LGA is calling on the Department for Transport to end emergency measures forcing councils to fund concessionary bus fares at pre-COVID19 travel levels, amid concern about its sustainability and the impact it is having on council budgets being stretched by the pandemic.

Latest fly-tipping statistics for England 2019/20 show that local authorities were forced to clear up just under 1 million (976,000) fly-tipping incidents, from tarmac and asbestos, to tyres and even a boat.

Vital locally-led projects for boosting business, supporting local communities and regenerating high streets are at risk due to government delays in approving councils’ investment plans.