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“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."

“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."

"We are pleased the Government has acted on our call to extend the current measures to protect tenants from eviction, which will provide reassurance that they will not lose their home because of coronavirus."

A post-pandemic building boom of 100,000 affordable homes a year is needed to provide housing fit for social care, health and other key workers who have fought coronavirus on the frontline and the families of those who lost their lives, a new report by the Local Government Association sets out today.

"We are pleased the Government has acted on our call for an extension of the time given to commence planning permissions that would otherwise lapse."

“The planning system is not a barrier to housebuilding with nine in 10 planning applications approved by councils. It gives local communities the power to shape the area they live in and provides an effective means of balancing the interests of homeowners and their neighbours.

“This independent report rightly backs our long-standing concerns over the detrimental impact on local communities of rules allowing home conversions without planning permission. It provides further evidence on why it is more vital than ever that planning should remain local."

“Housing must be a central part of the national recovery from coronavirus. Now is the time for a genuine renaissance in council house-building that reduces homelessness, gets rough sleepers off the streets for good, supports people’s wellbeing and is climate-friendly.”

"This should, for now, reassure worried tenants and allay the serious concerns councils have had over the potential risk of homelessness some private renters may have faced."

“Councils remain concerned that the ending of the ban could see a rise in homelessness. They will continue to support tenants who are experiencing financial difficulty, but want to work with government on a long-term plan that will safeguard renters and help them to stay in their homes, in as many cases as possible."