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Cllr Martin Tett, Local Government Association Environment spokesman, responds to the Government’s proposals to increase plastic recycling, including a deposit scheme for plastic bottles.

"Councils have played a pivotal role in making the Supporting Families programme a success for some of the most vulnerable families, so it is good that local authorities continue to receive this funding to support this vital service for the coming year as it enters its next phase."

“Councils face a £652 million funding gap in providing the concessionary bus fare scheme, which is putting nearly half of all bus routes at risk. It is vital this scheme is properly funded so councils can protect bus routes and reinvest in local networks.

Further expanding permitted development rights risks creating poor quality residential environments that negatively impact people’s health and wellbeing.

“We have been clear all along that algorithms and formulas can never be a substitute for local knowledge and decision-making by councils and communities who know their areas best."

The Government must continue to work closely with councils, the community and voluntary sector and other key local partners to co-design this sponsorship scheme so it can move at pace and scale."

“While this funding is a positive step for local authorities, alongside other recent investments in culture and heritage, it is vital that councils have the long-term, sustainable funding to protect and unlock the value of heritage sites for their communities.”

"Adult social care is facing a funding gap for current services, increasing each year due to inflation and other costs even with these reforms fully funded. This is without considering the immediate need to address unmet and under met need on these overburdened systems."

“As we enter this second national lockdown, councils will continue to do everything they can to accommodate new rough sleepers during the winter as well as support those already off the streets into safe, long-term accommodation with the appropriate support."

Cllr Martin Tett, Transport spokesman for the Local Government Association, responds to today’s announcement of £6 million in government funding for 17 UK councils to provide charging points for ultra-low emission taxis.