Briefings and responses

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We are seeking assurances from Defra that the new waste tracking system will be an effective replacement for the outdated and cumbersome Waste Data Flow data entry system for councils.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.

On 29 March the Government published the SEND Review: Right support, right place, right time, a consultation on the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and alternative provision system in England.

On 28 March the Government published the ‘Opportunity for all Strong schools with great teachers for your child’ White Paper.

We recommend that the Government is more ambitious on funding for the rest of the country not covered by Mayoral Combined authorities. Long-term pipelines of funding, and a focus on high level outcomes, for example ‘half of journeys by active and public transport by 2030’ would allow local areas to develop in house capacity to plan and deliver projects. Government is moving in the right direction but must ensure all parts of the country benefit.

The LGA broadly supports the Bill’s focus on improving the health and wellbeing of the population through greater integration between NHS organisations and between the NHS and local government.