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“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.”

“The planning system is not a barrier to housebuilding with nine in 10 planning applications approved by councils. It gives local communities the power to shape the area they live in and provides an effective means of balancing the interests of homeowners and their neighbours.

“Councils need all the tools at their disposal to help with locating and preventing future local outbreaks of coronavirus in their communities.

“Councils continue to face immense demand pressures in providing vital care and support for children and young people with SEND and are running increasing deficits on their high needs budgets which finance SEND services."

“Locally-led responses have proven to be the best way to tackle significant outbreaks, which this framework rightly emphasises."

“Local government can play a key role in driving a sustainable recovery that meets the needs of local communities and businesses."

“If this awful pandemic has proved one thing it is that there cannot be a sustainable NHS without a sustainable adult social care system. You cannot protect one and not the other."

“Council public health teams remain ready to use their unique expertise, including speaking other languages, and understanding of their communities to try to reach those who cannot be contacted by the system."

"Youth services support young people, helping them to make positive choices and keep them safe as they transition to adulthood. These services are even more essential as a result of the COVID-19 crisis."

'As a country we face significant skills challenges, with one of the most serious being in our social care system. We need to do what we can to ensure the social care workforce can be maintained.'