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"Modern slavery is abhorrent and councils across the country are working hard to help tackle it. This includes trying to eliminate it from their supply chains during the procurement process. This act will help councils to carry out this work."

“Tackling domestic abuse is an issue that councils take very seriously, so we are pleased that government has agreed to provide funding to help local authorities prepare for the introduction of the Domestic Abuse Bill, which the LGA has supported."

Cllr Ian Hudspeth responds to the publication of the latest NHS Test and Trace and coronavirus testing figures

“The safest option this year would be to give fireworks a miss and find a different way of celebrating, but we know many will want to have a home display. If they do it is vital that they are familiar with the Firework Code and ensure they purchase legal and safe fireworks.”

“This new funding is a positive step in tackling the scourge of illegal drugs in our communities, while providing much-needed support to those in drug treatment and recovery."

Cllr Nesil Caliskan, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board, said: “It is good the Ministry of Justice has announced this additional funding"

“Unfortunately, these new scams are not the first we’ve seen related to COVID-19 and they most likely won’t be the last. Everyone must be vigilant and scrutinise any message claiming to be from the Government, NHS, HMRC, Ofcom or their local authority."

Businesses and other services looking to reopen from Monday 29 March should ensure they carry out vital safety checks to avoid increasing the risk of the potentially fatal Legionnaires’ disease in their water supply, the LGA and CIEH urge.

“Keeping people safe online while ensuring their rights, such as freedom of expression, are protected is crucial and we are pleased that the Online Safety Bill introduces measures to manage this."

“The £125 million announced in the Spending Review for local authorities to implement the new statutory duty is good, but this funding is only for the 2021/22 financial year and councils would benefit from longer-term funding to allow for better planning and greater consistency for vital support services."