Briefings and responses

We note that there are several instances where changes to the Code are being considered in order to bring it into line with international standards, but that the proposal is that the specific changes will not be made because they are not relevant to local authorities. We strongly support this approach. It is our view that international standards should be applied when necessary but will only add complexity if applied when not relevant.

This response summarises the LGA's general views on the overall objectives of the proposals, as well as commenting on specific proposals where relevant to our membership.

Councils are approving 9 in 10 planning application and in almost 70 per cent of planning appeal cases the Planning Inspectorate uphold councils’ decisions.

The National Fraud Initiative (NFI) data sharing exercise has been supported by local authorities for several decades now. It has an important place in counter fraud activities, as well as work to recover and reduce error and debt.

We welcome the publication of the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) policy statement, setting out final rules for their implementation of the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II (MiFID II).

The LGA welcomes the Government’s ambitious commitment to create three million new apprenticeships by 2020. However we have significant concerns about the proposed policy approach to achieve it.

Councils have demonstrated throughout the pandemic that they are uniquely placed to respond to local needs and reach their most vulnerable residents.

This response has been agreed by the LGA's Environment, Economy, Housing and Transport (EEHT) Board.

The LGA welcomes the increased focus on Local Nature Recovery and reversing the decline of biodiversity as set out in the Environment Bill, but government needs to consider all the measures to enhance nature, set out in the Environment Bill holistically, so as not to miss opportunities of efficiency.

Polluters, not councils, should pick up the cost of dealing with the increasingly complex and hazardous waste stream of electrical items.