Briefings and responses

The Department for Housing, Levelling Up and Communities held a consultation from 13 February to 26 March 2024 on proposed changes to national planning policies related to brownfield land in the National Planning Policy Framework, and reviewing the threshold for referral of applications to the Mayor of London.

In June 2020 the Local Government Association (LGA) conducted a consultation to gather views on its draft Model Member Code of Conduct as part of its work on supporting the sector to continue to aspire to high standards of leadership and performance. Responses to the consultation were gathered through an online questionnaire as well as by email via a dedicated inbox.

The Liaison Committee brings together the chairs of all House of Commons Select Committees to scrutinise the work of the Prime Minister. This LGA briefing provides an overview of the key issues affecting councils across the economy and public services.

The LGA welcomes this Bill which would make it easier for licensing authorities to access vital background information about drivers seeking a licence in their areas

Local authorities dealt with a total of 900 thousand incidents of fly tipping in 2014/15, an increase of 5.6 per cent since 2013/14.

Local audit and local auditors need to be adequately skilled and have an adequate understanding of local government. It also needs to focus on areas that add value rather than on work that is not a priority for local government. It has previously been highlighted (for example in the report of the Redmond review) that many believe that the current focus on asset and pension valuations is inappropriate.

The LGA has significant concerns with the Local Authorities (Borrowing and Investment) Bill which seeks to restrict the acquisition of land and property by councils outside their own boundaries. The Bill also seeks to limit local authorities’ investment in “commercial risk-taking enterprises” and limit council borrowing for non-core activities.

On 27 February 2018 council funding was discussed at Treasury Questions. The amount of money local authorities’ hold in their reserves was debated as part of this session. This briefing sets out the LGA’s key messages on the subject and our analysis which is based on the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government data.

Councils have a strong track record in welcoming asylum seeking children.

Local authorities lead on work with local partners and local communities to help families settle into their new homes.