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“Councils, working closely with central government, have put in a monumental effort since the start of the pandemic and the Everyone In initiative to rapidly get the vast majority of people sleeping rough off the streets and into safe and suitable accommodation."

"It is good that the Secretary of State has secured unprecedented funding to ensure leaseholders in high-rise blocks will not have to pay anything towards cladding remediation. This is an important step towards protecting leaseholders from the unfair cost of a crisis that is not of their making and something the LGA has long-called for."

Responding to the announcement that all new housing developments must meet local standards of beauty, quality and design, Cllr David Renard, housing spokesperson for the LGA, said: “We look forward to seeing the details of the draft national design code and the new Office for Place. We want to continue to work with the Government to get these proposals right. “Councils need to be at the forefront of a locally determined planning system which meets the housing needs and aspirations of their communities, and support proposals that go some way to facilitating that. “Along with government, we

The Local Government Association has announced the 17 successful applicants for its Housing Advisers Programme 2020/21 (HAP), an innovative scheme to help councils overcome housing challenges in their local areas, address the impact of COVID-19 on the housing crisis and meet the housing needs of local communities.

“It is good that the Government has listened to councils’ concerns and announced a review into testing to ensure our national approach is fit for purpose, alongside the new national construction products regulator."

“To ensure a successful recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, communities need stability and certainty in planning. This can only be achieved through a locally-led, well-resourced planning system where communities have a proper say over developments in their local area."

 “It is good that housebuilding is on the increase again, and that planning permissions were extended earlier in the pandemic to enable developments to continue when safe to do so."

“Our six-point plan would give councils a better chance of being able to move homeless children into permanent accommodation "

“It is good the Government is providing further additional funding to tackle rough sleeping, but it is likely that councils will need further financial support in the difficult weeks and months ahead to move people into safe and secure housing."

“Council housing waiting lists could nearly double as a result of COVID-19. It is vital that the government lifts the No Recourse to Public Funds condition to help prevent homelessness for the migrants who can't currently access the welfare safety net."