Briefings and responses

Local government has a central role to play in tackling a number of issues facing young people, and supporting them to live the lives they want to lead.

As the UK exits the European Union (EU), national and local government should consider how communities in England can take greater control over the public service and investment decisions that affect their lives.

"We know that addressing violence is not a single agency issue. Local partners have to develop and deliver a strategic, coordinated approach to tackle youth violence in their local areas."

The LGA has acknowledged that there are merits in introducing an element of standardisation in supporting to councils assess housing need.

"Allowing councils to keep money from fines is helpful, but may not address the cost of the proactive work necessary to ensure letting agents are complying with the ban."

We remain concerned that the introduction of the National Funding Formula, combined with changes to High Needs Funding, will exacerbate existing shortfalls in funding to support children and young people with SEND.

"Increased investment in children and young people’s mental health services is urgently needed. In particular, the Government must ensure all of the promised £1.7 billion for children’s mental health is spent on children’s mental health services, and not diverted elsewhere."

The purpose of this briefing is to update councils on latest developments regarding payment of overnight sleep-in shifts in adult social care. Although this briefing focuses on adults, the issue is also relevant to children’s services.

The private rented sector has more than doubled in size since 2002. To accompany the rise in the number of private renters, councils have stepped up their engagement with landlords.

Councils are uniquely placed to deliver programmes that improve the lives of children and young people, as they have responsibility for delivering over 800 local services. This includes councils’ duty to protect children and young people from involvement in, and the impact of, youth violence.