Briefings and responses

We do not expect this Bill to have any significant effects on local authority investment or procurement practices. However, we have significant concerns about the effects the current drafting will have on the operation of the Local Government Pensions Scheme (LGPS).

The LGA believes this is a progressive piece of legislation that would undoubtedly impact on smoking prevalence and ultimately reduce rates of smoking-related disease. We look forward to working with the Government and others to enforce this ban as well as ensure plans for a smokefree generation are a success.

Nationally, the successful delivery of flood and coastal erosion risk management and property flood resilience will only be successful with increased cooperation and cross-border partnership working between different organisations.

Providing food waste collection services to blocks of flats is not just about giving out bins. It needs support from residents and the managers and agents responsible for maintaining the blocks.

The Department for Housing, Levelling Up and Communities held a consultation from 6 February to 5 April 2024 on its proposals to introduce a new, regulatory standard relating to the competence and conduct of social housing staff. This standard will require senior managers and executives to have, or be working towards, a relevant qualification.

The Department for Housing, Levelling Up and Communities held a consultation from 13 February to 9 April 2024 on proposed changes to various permitted development rights.

The LGA is concerned that a number of amendments to the Renters Reform Bill could weaken key measures, including the ban on ‘no fault’ evictions, the redress scheme and essential enforcement measures. We urge the Government to make progress with the Bill and bring an urgent end to Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions.

Councils want to work as partners with central government on climate action. Councils are well-placed to do this as place-shapers, convenors of communities and partners, delivery agents, commissioners, and owners of assets.

The Department for Housing, Levelling Up and Communities held a consultation from 13 February to 26 March 2024 on proposed changes to national planning policies related to brownfield land in the National Planning Policy Framework, and reviewing the threshold for referral of applications to the Mayor of London.

Local government is committed to innovative community engagement with residents to identify key issues in their communities and co-produce solutions. Many councils have adopted methodologies such as citizens’ assemblies, juries and panels to help engage with voices and communities who might otherwise not be heard.