Briefings and responses

Good mental health is essential for a healthy and prosperous society. It is essential to prevent mental health issues arising, intervening early if problems do start surfacing, and helping people manage their lives going forward.

Many councils have concerns about the impact of clustering of betting shops on their areas, as well as the associated numbers of Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs).

We are calling for the Government to deliver on its commitment to hold a triennial review of machine stakes.

A strategic national response to flooding is vital in supporting local efforts. All affected councils and areas should also have the opportunity to engage directly with the new cross-Whitehall Flood Recovery Taskforce. Councils should have their say in how the £4 billion the Government has committed to flooding over the next five years is spent.

This stocktake is a positive opportunity to review current services and make sure that the system is working as well as possible, and in particular we appreciate the constructive dialogue that the DfE has already instigated with the sector.

The provision of supported housing is vital to ensuring vulnerable people live in suitable homes that meet their personal and all-round housing, health and care needs.

Smoking prevalence analysis: methodology summary by the LGA Research and Information Team

LGA commissioned research found that councils are facing a high needs funding shortfall of £667 million in the 2019-20 financial year and this funding gap could rise to £1.6 billion by 2021.

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.

We are pleased that the Government has listened to the concerns raised by the LGA, as well as in the report of the joint select committee inquiry, and decided not to apply the Local Housing Allowance Rate to supported housing or wider social housing.