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.
"Protecting and supporting communities, including our most vulnerable, remains councils’ top priority. They are working closely alongside Public Health England, the NHS and others to assess risk, provide advice to communities and try to prevent this virus spreading further."
“Councils are absolutely committed to ensuring drug users get the right treatment and support, as part of their public health and other wider responsibilities."
The cost of providing a breakthrough drug which could lead to the end of HIV nationwide needs to be fully funded before its roll out by councils across the country, or many will be at risk of being unable to afford to deliver it, the Local Government Association warns today.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) will be made routinely available from April via local authorities’ public health services, following a successful impact trial. The daily medication is recommended for people at high risk and is considered a game-changer in the fight against HIV, by being highly effective in reducing the
Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, Cllr Ian Hudspeth, responds to annual adult substance misuse treatment statistics for 2018/19, published by Public Health England.
"This increase in funeral expenses payments is something the LGA has long called for and will help eligible families meet the costs of funerals for their loved ones."
“Councils invest more than £600 million a year in sexual health services, but rising demand is continuing to push some councils’ sexual health services to capacity. It is therefore essential that the strategy is fully funded."
“The greatest impact for our communities can be achieved through locally-led targeted interventions and local facilities – museums, libraries, leisure centres and parks – which have a major role to play in helping their communities become creative and physically active."
“It is important that tomorrow’s Spending Round provides much-needed investment in council services, including public health. Every pound invested by government in council-run services, such as public health, can relieve pressure on other essential services like the NHS and save much more money further down the line."