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.
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.
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.
Seamless support and a ‘welcoming hub’ for families are among new proposals for ensuring babies and young children get the best possible start to life.
In Herefordshire, local economic recovery and resilience are top priorities for our Independent/It’s Our County/Green coalition administration.
Plans to reform health and care services in England so they can work more closely together have been published in a Government White Paper.
Despite increased government support, councils need a further £2.6 billion in this financial year to plug funding gaps arising from the pandemic.
The LGA offers seminars and events to help councillors build valuable networks with their peers, including dedicated sessions for women, ethnic minority and younger elected members.
Local government workers, firefighters, teachers, police officers and foster carers were among the public sector workers on the New Year Honours List 2021.
Priority groups are receiving their first vaccine doses as the country begins another round of national lockdowns.