Briefings and responses

The Local Government Association welcomes the opportunity to respond to this consultation on Awaab’s Law. We support the principle that everyone deserves a safe, decent, warm, and affordable place to live and that health hazards should be investigated and fixed in a timely manner.

The LGA’s view is that the best way to increase housing security is to address the unaffordability of housing, which is a key reason why many people lose their tenancy and become homeless.

The LGA supports the locally led approach to standards and conduct introduced by the Localism Act 2011. Reversing the locally-led approach to standards and conduct would be a backward step. We believe that any future changes to the current framework should be at the discretion of local authorities to introduce and shape in a way that is suitable for their areas.

A Commission on the Future of Employment Support is looking at ways in which employment support and services could more effectively help people who want to, to move into, and progress in work and help employers find, recruit and retain the right people across the UK. The Institute for Employment Studies is providing the secretariat for the Commission.

The Local Government Association welcomes the helpful insight provided by the Dame Louise Casey review into opportunity and integration.

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.

Arts Council England (ACE) plays a crucial role in funding and supporting cultural activity at a local level, including acting as the development agency for public libraries and museums. This consultation on ACE’s 10-year strategy for 2020-2030 offers a key opportunity for councils and ACE to collaborate on a joint vision for creative and culturally accessible communities.

Creative industries contributed nearly £90 billion and 2.9 million jobs to the UK economy in 2015, but the enquiry rightly recognises the positive impact of culture extends beyond growth to improve community cohesion, public health and tourism.

The LGA is pleased to contribute to the Arts Council England 2018 conversation, which will contribute to the Arts Council England strategy 2020-30.

The LGA welcomed the creation of Highways England and the Road Improvement Strategy (RIS). Long term funding certainty and sustained investment are welcome developments for the strategic network.