Briefings and responses

Gambling related harm continues to have a devastating impact on the lives of those directly affected, their families and wider communities. Councils are committed to continuing to prevent gambling-related harm in their communities and helping those affected to get the support they need recover and rebuild their lives.

This briefing summarises the Government's UKSPF guidance and some of the key issues councils and combined authorities will need to consider while developing their investment plans, and an LGA view on some key issues.

The Local Government Association (LGA) supports the overall aims of the Online Safety Bill (OSB), which makes provisions for the regulation by Ofcom of certain internet services.

The LGA continues to work with the Home Office to tackle serious and serious organised crime. In particular, the harrowing exploitation of children and young people by county lines drugs gangs is a significant and increasing concern for councils, and they are working hard with Government and local partners to protect those at risk of abuse.

Defra’s approach to the reforms must be robust enough to discourage the criminals, but avoid placing excessive requirements on local authorities, charities and the not-for-profit sector and responsible private waste businesses.

We are seeking assurances from Defra that the new waste tracking system will be an effective replacement for the outdated and cumbersome Waste Data Flow data entry system for councils. Waste Data Flow is not fit for purpose in supporting an accurate EPR payment system, although it will need to operate until such time as the new system is ready. This may be an opportunity to streamline data systems and reduce the burden on councils.

Achieving the scale of ambition set out in the White Paper will require substantial and long-term commitment not only from Government but from local government and NHS leaders at every level – national, regional, system, place and neighbourhood. We look forward to seeing this reflected as the ICS and wider reforms are rolled out in practice.

Our substantive asks regarding providing a clear framework for housing checks; guidance around dealing with safeguarding issues beyond just the initial DBS check; clear steer on breakdown of placements and rematching and clarity of data still require further detail. The LGA and councils are keen to continue to work with the Government on these issues.

We support the principle of biodiversity net gain and the broader ambitions of the 25 Year Environment Plan to be the first generation to leave our natural environment in a better state than we found it.

This briefing note has been produced to update councils on the impact rising energy costs are having on leisure providers operating services and facilities owned and delivered on behalf of councils.