News

Cllr Simon Blackburn, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board, responds to today’s reports that plans to reduce the maximum stakes on fixed odds betting terminals (FOBTs) have been blocked by the Treasury.

“It is critical that that the Government uses the Spending Review to provide significant investment so councils can continue to support their employees as much as possible and recruit and retain the staff needed to provide the local services that are delivered every day by our hard-working staff, alongside care workers and NHS colleagues.”

Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, responds to research by King’s College London on palliative and end-of-life care.

Local Government Association housing spokesman Cllr Martin Tett, responds to the Resolution Foundation’s mobility report which says that high rents are reducing the benefits of mobility among young people.

"It’s good to see mental health finally getting the attention and profile that it deserves and this report has rightly focused on the input of people who have been directly affected by the Act."

“Councils are committed to building homes with the right infrastructure that local communities need and are supportive of custom and self-build housing as one way of achieving that.

“Rising knife crime is causing horrendous destruction and grief in our communities and councils are uncovering some shocking cases of illegal knife sales which risk fuelling this tragic epidemic. Retailers must ask for proof of age if they suspect the buyer is under 25."

“It is reassuring to know that lifeguard provision will increase as this country faces what could be its busiest ever summer beach season, with many schools closed and restrictions on travel abroad."

"Councils want to support a good quality local private rented offer in their communities, but can be held back by significant funding pressures and uncertainty. It is therefore good that the Government has announced a funding boost for councils to help ensure the small minority of rogue landlords improve standards."

“Proper resourcing of local government funding is essential if we are going to end homelessness."