News

Long term investment in public sport and leisure facilities is key to supporting efforts to tackle health inequalities exposed by the pandemic, councils say today.

"The impacts of COVID-19 will be with us for years to come. They will show up in economic hardship, mental health issues, attainment gaps and more, and it will be up to councils, schools and their partners to support children and their families to navigate these challenges."

Early support hubs which allow young people to access mental health support without referrals should be made available nationwide to help tackle a rise in mental health issues during the pandemic.

The Commission on Culture and Local Government, launched by the LGA in March, is calling for councils and their local cultural partners to share examples of their work in using culture to support recovery and levelling up.

Party-goers should avoid using unlicensed cabs and illegal commercial “lifts” offered on social media, which could put their lives at risk, councils urge today in safety guidance issued for the festive season.

The loan sharks warning comes as latest figures show that 12,652 people a week in the UK are seeking help for problem debt – the equivalent of one person every 48 seconds.

“A relatively small number of councils are affected by the collapse of Carillion. They have been monitoring the situation closely and are implementing contingency plans to keep services running as normally as possible."

The Early Years Local Government Programme has been instrumental in helping councils shape priorities and improve services and prospects for children and families, an independent external evaluation has found.

“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."

The Local Government Mutual is open for business with LGA member councils invited to find out how it can potentially provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional insurance services and save them money.