Briefings and responses

The adoption of elected mayors has been put forward as a condition of substantial devolution, but there is no evidence that good governance can be delivered through this model alone.

Devolution to local areas will require enhanced arrangements for democratic engagement and oversight.

In our Child-centred recovery report, we highlight how effective, high quality early years provision makes a difference to young children, helping to break the cycle of disadvantage, improving social mobility and offering them a good start in life. Early years providers have continued to support children throughout the COVID-19 crisis.

Local authorities have the ultimate responsibility to support, safeguard, care for and house vulnerable members of their community.

The LGA opposes both forced academisation and the transfer of significant powers relating to education to unelected civil servants.

We welcome the recommendation of an ambitious, long-term strategy for adult skills and lifelong learning and that local authorities are awarded powers and funding to take on an enhanced statutory role for mapping, commissioning and delivery.

Data shows that council-maintained schools receive better Ofsted ratings, and improve more quickly, than academy schools.

School uniforms can help children feel part of a community and instil a sense of pride in their school. School uniforms can also be practical and prevent bullying related harms where children are singled out for what they are wearing.

We do not expect this Bill to have any significant effects on local authority investment or procurement practices. However, we have significant concerns about the effects the current drafting will have on the operation of the Local Government Pensions Scheme (LGPS).

The Bill seeks to remove the possibility for public bodies, including councils, to campaign against, boycott, seek divestment from, or sanction a particular territory internationally, unless endorsed by the Government’s own foreign policy