Briefings and responses

The LGA responded to consultation from government on new powers for councils to issue fixed penalty notices to householders for failing to meet their duties in disposing of waste. This could provide a useful alternative to prosecution for “duty of care” offences.

This briefing sets out the issues in the draft EU withdrawal agreement of most importance to local government.

Years of unprecedented funding reductions have had a significant impact on the local services our communities rely on, and the knock-on effect on other parts of the public sector.

The national housing shortage is one of the most pressing issues we face. The last time this country built more than 250,000 homes a year, councils built more than 40 per cent of them. Only an increase in all types of housing will ensure we can deliver 300,000 homes a year. A genuine renaissance in council housebuilding should play a major role in this.

LGA's response to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) future funding strategy for 2019-2024.

We particularly welcome the Government’s allocation of £8 million towards support for children who witness domestic abuse, which followed the LGA’s call for an urgent injection of funding into early intervention initiatives that provide support for children experiencing domestic violence.

The LGA has called for a fairer balance in the way Government treats and funds the Strategic Roads Network (SRN), which makes up less than 3 per cent of the country’s road network, compared to the local roads network, which makes the remaining 97 per cent.

We are concerned by the lack of consultation undertaken ahead of the Information Commissioner’s Office new charging model being laid before Parliament.

The LGA supports Government proposals to introduce a capped landlord contribution to the cost of meeting the minimum standard, replacing the current principle of “no upfront cost” to landlords.

We have repeatedly warned of the serious consequences of funding pressures facing local services from unprecedented funding reductions since 2010 and growing demand for services.