Briefings and responses

Local government would welcome discussions with Government on potential impacts on councils of the Illegal Migration Bill. A Committee of the Whole House will take place in the House of Lords from 24 May 2023.

The Housing White Paper presents an important shift in the government’s housing strategy on a number of fronts.

Local government's ambition is much greater than the White Paper, which lacks substantive measures to support councils in enabling housing growth, and to build the genuinely affordable homes for those at the sharp end of the housing crisis.

Local government shares the collective national ambition to build one million new homes. Housebuilding is currently well below the levels required for an efficient and fully functioning housing market.

We are calling on the Government to use the Budget to give councils the tools and powers they need to resume their historic role as major housebuilders of good, quality affordable homes for social rent, and to invest in homelessness prevention.

On Thursday 12 May, the Housing and Planning Act received Royal Assent.

Houses in Multiple Occupancy (HMO) licensing requirements sets out the national minimum standards that HMO accommodation must meet to ensure the safety and quality of accommodation.

Data shows that council-maintained schools receive better Ofsted ratings, and improve more quickly, than academy schools.

We ask that the White Paper is utilised as an opportunity to reset the relationship between national and local government and put councils at the heart of delivering the Government’s ambitious programme to improve opportunities in all parts of the country.

The LGA welcomes the introduction of the Building Safety Bill and the Fire Safety Act. We believe these important pieces of legislation will strengthen the building safety system in the UK, especially in relation to new buildings. It is, therefore, an important step in the right direction.