News

“Councils are extremely concerned about the financial viability of early years providers, many of whom are operating at a loss in order to provide vital childcare for our critical workers and most vulnerable children."

Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, Cllr Ian Hudspeth, responds to the Chief Medical Officer Professor Dame Sally Davies’ report on childhood obesity.

"While the Government’s recent funding boost for mental health support for children and young people is a positive step, it is vital that mental health needs are at the heart of our overall approach to health and wellbeing," 

"Today’s announcement to increase the amount that employers can transfer of their Levy contribution is a positive sign that the Government is listening to council concerns around the need for flexibility to ensure the Levy is genuinely effective."

Cllr Roy Perry, Vice Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board, responds to a report by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Children on varying levels of social care support for children.

Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, responds to an All-Party Parliamentary Group on Autism report which calls for better support and services for people with autism in England.

Cllr Judith Blake, Chair of the LGA's Children and Young People Board, said: “Today’s announcements are positive steps towards ensuring that all children in care live in good quality homes that meet their needs and help them to thrive."

“We have particular concerns around provision for disadvantaged children and those with special educational needs and disabilities if funding rates continue to fall below the cost of delivering services."

Cllr Anntoinette Bramble, Chair of the LGA's Children and Young People Board, responds to research by ADCS highlighting increasing safeguarding pressures.

“This report reinforces the significant budget reductions councils have experienced and increasing numbers of children needing urgent help. As the impact of the pandemic becomes clear, councils expect to see a significant rise in referrals to children’s social care and demand for wider children’s support services."