News

“Only with long-term, reliable funding, can councils help safeguard individuals and families from the physical and psychological harm caused by domestic abuse."

“Councils have been at the forefront of the work to tackle the issue of modern slavery, from prevention through to the provision of support to victims."

New Year’s Eve revellers are being urged to avoid cheap and dangerous fake alcohol being sold by rogue retailers ahead of the biggest social night of the year.

Referrals of potential victims of modern slavery made by councils have soared ninefold in five years, new figures show, highlighting the demands on local authority services already under significant pressure.

"We are concerned that this is being rolled out too quickly, with inadequate local engagement meaning that other agencies risk being unable to pick up any increases in demand for their services."

Six out of 10 retailers in some areas are breaking the law on underage knife sales with councils warning that a lack of funding for enforcement activity will make tackling the knife crime epidemic a huge challenge.

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.

Tougher new powers are needed to crack down on shisha bars that breach smoking laws and are linked to anti-social behaviour

“We support a public health approach to tackling serious violent crime, which has become an increasing priority for councils."

People need to be able to sleep safely at night in their homes. The tragedy at Grenfell Tower must never be allowed to happen again and we look forward to working with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to make sure the new system of building regulation works