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.
Nearly two thirds of leisure centres are outdated and need urgent new investment from government, the Local Government Association reveals today.
New figures, shared with the LGA by Sport England, show that up to 63 per cent of sports halls and swimming pools are more than 10 years old. Nearly a quarter of all sports halls and swimming pools have not been refurbished in more than 20 years.
Central government funding for leisure infrastructure reduced by a third over the last decade. The LGA, which represents councils in England and Wales, is calling on government to use the forthcoming
“Rising knife crime is causing horrendous destruction and grief in our communities and councils are uncovering some shocking cases of illegal knife sales which risk fuelling this tragic epidemic. Retailers must ask for proof of age if they suspect the buyer is under 25."
"We urge the Government to also consider investing in the recruitment and support of foster carers to make sure that we have the most suitable placements available for all children."
“It is alarming that so many private renters are suffering from housing worries, and councils want to work with government to help meet the challenges renters face."
Councils are on the side of all road users, fixing a pothole every 17 seconds and want to work with government to tackle our national road repairs backlog.
“Our own social care green paper outlined some key recommendations on how best to urgently resolve this issue, which the Government has an opportunity to take forward."