News

Six out of 10 retailers in some areas are breaking the law on underage knife sales with councils warning that a lack of funding for enforcement activity will make tackling the knife crime epidemic a huge challenge.

Lord Porter, Chairman of the Local Government Association, responds to the announcement that the Government will pay for the replacement of flammable cladding on private tower blocks.

“Obesity is one of our most serious public health challenges and these figures are a wake-up call on what is needed to help combat this epidemic."

“With the vast majority of refugee children aged 16 or 17, this change in funding needs to be followed through so that care leaving costs, which are equal to or greater than those of non-UASC, are fully funded, as this remains the main barrier to councils taking on responsibility for ever-growing numbers."

Cllr Simon Blackburn, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board, responds to the announcement of a new government programme to protect children at risk of exploitation.

Chairman of the Local Government Association Community Wellbeing Board, Cllr Ian Hudspeth, responds to the report by Versus Arthritis on home support for people living with arthritis.

“Through programmes like One Public Estate, councils have shown that they are best-placed to lead efforts to make better use of public assets, such as releasing unused or surplus land for housing, and are committed to bringing forward sites to ensure that enough homes and the necessary infrastructure are built to meet local needs."

"We want every resident to have a good quality of life and to be able to improve their circumstances regardless of their background or where they live."

An LGA spokesperson responds to a report on anti-social behaviour by the Victims’ Commissioner.

The Local Government Mutual is open for business with LGA member councils invited to find out how it can potentially provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional insurance services and save them money.