Protecting public spaces
The Government is consulting on a new duty to protect public venues from terrorist attacks.
In the latest issue:
Green funding boost for 50,000 households
A £562 million government cash boost for green home improvements will upgrade 50,000 households in social and local authority housing with deep insulation, heat pumps and solar panels.
Turbo-charging devolution
Local government’s response to COVID-19 has demonstrated that it does deliver and can be trusted. Now is the time for a new devolution settlement.
Be nice to your noggin!
The COVID-19 pandemic has been incredibly difficult for us all. The social isolation and uncertainty has left many people expressing concerns over their mental health, such as increased anxiety, depression and loneliness.
Child harm cases rise by more than a quarter
Serious child-related incidents reported by councils have risen by more than a quarter during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to LGA analysis of latest figures.
‘Rocket boost’ in funding needed to tackle children’s mental health
Damage to children’s mental health caused by the coronavirus crisis could last for years without a “rocket boost in funding” for children’s mental health services, the Children’s Commissioner for England has warned.
£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.
Stepping up on levelling up
The Government has renewed its commitment to levelling up as part of the recovery from the pandemic, with new announcements focusing on better access to high-quality education, improved infrastructure in town centres, and more public sector jobs outside of London.
Tackling the climate emergency
Much has been written, and declarations made, about the urgent need to tackle climate change. As local councils, we need to take this further by producing and delivering measurable action plans.
Changes to Right to Buy
The Government has announced a package of reforms to the Right to Buy scheme, in what is a significant lobbying success for the LGA, following years of campaigning.