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Cllr David Simmonds, Chairman of the Local Government Association's Asylum, Refugee and Migration Task Group, responded to the amendment to the Children and Social Work Bill.

We have raised concerns about councils being asked to commit to numbers of arrivals or propose a cap. It might be difficult for councils to predict potential arrival numbers across both asylum and resettlement and therefore their capacity to support new arrivals and the additional housing needed.

“We are pleased that the Government is continuing to work with the LGA and councils on funding to help families move to their own homes, reduce homelessness risks and help local partners acquire more housing."

We are pleased that locally elected representatives will have dedicated police support for security matters for the first time. This is something we have long called for.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, councils have provided crucial local leadership and delivered services that have been absolutely essential in protecting lives and livelihoods, and keeping communities running.

The Local Government Association is calling on the Government to help councils to develop more placements for unaccompanied children so that children can be moved directly to their long-term homes.

More than a million additional school children could receive free school meals and be entitled to extra support funding if the sign-up process for the scheme was simplified and extended to more families.

“For many years Judi worked tirelessly with us and her huge contribution to helping councils improve services for the many people who rely upon them, means she leaves a lasting legacy."

“Local government workers should always be respected and valued – even more so in these challenging times – when they are needed more than ever."

The LGA has joined forces with the Electoral Commission and the Jo Cox Foundation to call for no abuse towards candidates at this set of local elections.