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"The Committee shares our concerns over the quality of homes built under permitted development rights and the adverse impact this could have on our high streets, which councils want to see prosper and thrive, with a vibrant range of uses, including retail, culture, sport and leisure. This is why we would like to see the permitted development right removed."

Councils are determined to help tackle violence against women and girls (VAWG) in our local communities, and work alongside police, the NHS, and charities to make sure we do all we can to protect women and girls from all forms of abuse.

“Every life lost to COVID-19 is a tragedy and it is heartbreaking for families who lost loved ones who were living in care homes and unable to be as close to them in their final moments, as we would all wish, due to restrictions."

“This new strategy, the first of its kind to cover children and young people as well as adults, rightly focuses on supporting autistic people to live their lives in their communities, widening the focus beyond social care and health services.

“No community should miss out on the opportunity for better health and wellbeing, if we are to build back better from the pandemic.”

Cllr David Renard, Housing Spokesperson for the Local Government Association, responds to the written ministerial statement on Building Beautiful Places.

"It is clear that the current high prevalence of COVID-19 has resulted in large numbers of close contacts being required to self-isolate, which is placing pressure on some council services due to staff shortages. Most councils have been able to keep services running but there is a concern that, if rates increase further, many will be forced to prioritise services that protect the most vulnerable in their communities."

The Local Government Association, which represents councils in England, said people should think carefully before travelling to beaches, parks and other public places and to get in the habit of checking they are safe to visit, following our reaching of step 4 of the Government’s roadmap.

"The COVID-19 crisis has demonstrated the strength of councils' local leadership and the benefits that come from national and local government working together in partnership."

Councils, which are responsible for public health services, are committed to continue supporting people with alcohol and other substance misuse problems despite ongoing pressures made worse by the pandemic.