£23m vaccine boost as deaths pass 100,000
The Government has allocated more than £23 million to 60 councils and voluntary groups across England to expand work to support those most at risk from COVID-19, and to boost vaccine take-up.
In the latest issue:
Children locked down in temporary accommodation
The LGA has warned that around 450 primary schools’ worth of homeless children are spending lockdown in temporary accommodation, amid a chronic shortage of affordable housing.
£120m for social care staffing
The Government has announced an extra £120 million for councils to help tackle staffing issues in adult social care. The money can be used for additional care staff where shortages arise, support for administrative tasks so experienced and skilled staff can focus on providing care and help, and overtime payments or help with childcare costs so existing staff can take on extra hours, if they wish.
‘Review private equity role in care placements’
The LGA has urged the Government’s review of children’s social care to consider the impact of increasing private equity and stock market involvement in the system, after publishing new research that shows the six largest independent providers of placements made £219 million in profit last year.
Cladding concerns
With almost 1.3 million households affected by dangerous cladding and the exorbitant costs of fixing it, the cladding crisis is one of the key issues facing flat owners today.
Reaping the winner’s bonus
Our ‘first past the post’ electoral system has two key characteristics when translating votes into seats.
The LGA’s Budget submission
Despite increased government support, councils need a further £2.6 billion in this financial year to plug funding gaps arising from the pandemic.
Out and proud
Councils around the country will be marking LGBT+ History Month with online events and activities.
Dealing with empty shops
Councils can help steer their high streets and town centres towards more mixed-use futures.
Tackling domestic abuse
The LGA supports the creation of a statutory definition of domestic abuse, and the inclusion of economic abuse within this. We are also pleased to see that the new legislation will place the role of the domestic abuse commissioner on a statutory footing.