The LGA's media office provides the national voice of local government in England and Wales on the major issues of the day for national, regional and local press.
“As we look to restart the housing market and build the homes the country needs, it is vital we make sure that we meet the housing needs of older people."
“Councils want to take this opportunity to change the lives of our most vulnerable residents and stand ready to work with government on a national plan to move people into safe, long-term housing with access to wider support they might need."
“It is good that government has brought forward measures to ensure that planning departments can continue to operate effectively within current public health guidelines."
Desperately-needed new social homes could go unbuilt unless councils are granted an extension to the time they are allowed to spend money from Right to Buy sales, the Local Government Association warns today.
Responding to the Government’s building safety announcement, Lord Porter, the Local Government Association’s building safety spokesman, said:
“Residents have a right to be safe and feel safe in their own homes. This is even more important during the current coronavirus pandemic, as so many people are confined to their homes.
“The Government’s announcement that the remediation of cladding remains a top priority is positive news, and industry and duty-holders now need to step up and deliver the work required. Leaseholders, who are facing a triple whammy of mortgage refusals, spiralling
Responding to the announcement by government that councils have been asked to support rough sleepers and other vulnerable homeless into accommodation by the end of the week, Cllr James Jamieson, Chairman of the Local Government Association, said:
“Councils have been working hard to identify rough sleepers and homeless people, get them off the streets and into suitable accommodation and help protect them from the coronavirus.
“This will be a huge task given the shortage of accommodation available with many councils now affected by the recent closures of hotels and the difficulties some have
“These figures highlight the extreme pressures homelessness services continue to be under, as a result of rising demand driven by a severe shortage of social housing."
“Yesterday’s funding announced in the Budget for the Affordable Homes Programme was a positive step, and confirmation of the Housing Infrastructure Fund will help build new homes."
“We are pleased the Government has listened to the LGA and launched this new fund, which will help ensure thousands of building residents will no longer have to live with dangerous cladding systems."
“With over two thirds of councils spending more than they planned to on tackling homelessness, it is vital the Government follows this with long-term funding for homeless prevention in the Spending Review."