Falling smoking rates ‘testament’ to councils’ efforts
New figures show that around six million people aged 18 and over (11.9 per cent) smoked cigarettes in the UK in 2023 – the lowest proportion of current smokers since records began in 2011.
The Editorial Team
Empowering self-build and housing diversity
Councillor John O’Neill (Lib Dem) is Cabinet Member for Adults and Homes at South Gloucestershire Council.
Children in temporary accommodation
The number of households with children living in temporary accommodation in England for at least five years has risen by almost a quarter.
Support for struggling households extended
The Government has extended its support for struggling households over the winter, following an LGA campaign.
Grenfell Inquiry publishes final report
Campaigners and survivor groups called for police to accelerate the criminal investigation into the Grenfell Tower fire after a report found that companies operated with “systematic dishonesty” and that all 72 deaths were avoidable.
Party priorities
The LGA will be working to secure the future of local services at this autumn’s party conferences.
More ‘move on’ time needed to help house refugees
A snapshot LGA survey shows councils want more time between asylum seekers receiving a decision on their application and having to move out of Home Office accommodation.