The LGA's media office provides the national voice of local government in England and Wales on the major issues of the day for national, regional and local press.
“Careful and efficient management of our roads by councils has seen some progress being made into tackling the backlog of road repairs. However, increasing traffic levels, and more cars on our roads, together with continuing extreme winter weather conditions means that government needs to keep funding of local roads as a priority in its spending plans.
“Only long-term and consistent investment in local road maintenance can allow councils to embark on the widespread improvement of our roads that is desperately needed, to the benefit of all road users up and down the country, including cyclists
“Current legislation, which dates back to the 19th century, needs to be strengthened following well-documented child exploitation cases where taxi and PHV drivers have abused the trust placed in them. Any undue delay to implementing reforms risks public safety.”
"Expectant mothers, and our children, of whatever age, need to be able to live in safe communities and that includes making sure the air they breathe is as free from pollution as possible."
Councils have introduced traffic calming measures including speed restrictions, School Streets, enforcement cameras and crossing patrols to ensure those walking and cycling to schools can do so safely.
"It is essential that councils can use this new funding to protect services and reverse the reductions in local bus routes forced on local authorities from the £700 million annual funding gap councils face in providing the concessionary fares scheme."
“Local bus services can be a lifeline to older and vulnerable residents and can also play a key role in tackling congestion and reducing greenhouse gases"
"The recent funding announcements came as a disappointment for many councils, with more than half of the areas that applied for more support receiving no funding and over a third of the country’s population missing out."
“Councils are determined to reduce the impact of harmful emissions on the health of our communities but if the Government’s air quality plans and any new local powers are to be successful, they need to be underpinned by local flexibility and sufficient funding.
“Councils also need local powers to further tackle air pollution, particularly with regard to moving traffic offences, government support on planning and transport matters, and robust national action to help the country transition to low-emission vehicles and power generation.”