Councillor James Jamieson 
As the war in Ukraine intensifies, so too does the humanitarian crisis. Councils have a proud history of welcoming refugees, stepping forward at times of crisis to offer homes and support so families and individuals can build new lives in the UK.
It will be impossible for many of us to truly imagine the horrors of the war in Ukraine and the devastating impact the unprovoked and illegal aggression by Russia is having on the country and its local communities.
The requirement for people who test positive for COVID-19 to self-isolate has ended, with people expected to take personal responsibility if they may have the virus, as part of government plans to phase out all legal restrictions in England over the coming weeks.
For the first time in three years, we will be hosting the LGA’s annual conference in person – in Harrogate, from 28-30 June.
I am sure many of us will be glad to see the back of yet another year dominated by the coronavirus pandemic. From the awful loss of loved ones, friends and colleagues to widening health inequalities, economic turmoil and worsening mental health, COVID-19 has impacted every part of our lives.
COP26 underlined councils’ importance in tackling the climate emergency.
Levelling up has meant “everything and nothing” for some people because they “haven’t been able to get a fix on it” – not my words, but those of Michael Gove MP, on his 36th day as Secretary of State for Levelling up, Housing and Communities.
The Spending Review 2021 takes place on 27 October, and it’s safe to say that the first multi-year settlement since before the pandemic will be crucial for local government.
