News

"It is vital that the planning process is protected as part of this, and that local communities have a say over the area they live in. This is the best way to ensure homes are built to high standards with the necessary infrastructure in place, and affordable housing provided."

Responding to a report by the Children’s Commissioner on the state of children’s mental health services, Cllr Judith Blake, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board, said: “This report supports our call for greater investment in the services that help children have mentally healthy childhoods and reduce the pressure on the services that treat mental illness in children. Supporting children early on to reduce the need for clinical interventions means more can receive help when they need it, rather than waiting until they are unwell. “Waiting too long for

"As the country faces significant skills challenges, councils must be involved in the development of any new immigration system."

Cllr David Renard, the Local Government Association’s housing spokesman, responds to an announcement by the Housing Secretary that councils will receive an extra £112 million to tackle rough sleeping.

“Councils are uniquely placed to build on community strengths in partnership with Arts Council England, and the greatest impact can be achieved through locally-led culture facilities, including museums, libraries and arts organisations."

The fall in bus journeys revealed by this report highlights the urgent need for long-term investment in our country’s local bus networks.

Nearly two thirds of leisure centres are outdated and need urgent new investment from government, the Local Government Association reveals today.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

“Veterans can face significant barriers to accessing services and tailoring them to meet their needs is vital to ensure they’re not left behind."

Cllr Judith Blake responds to OFSTED's annual report on the overall quality of education and care in England

Lord Porter responds to the latest building safety announcements made by Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick