Briefings and responses

Existing outdated taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) licensing laws need to be updated and strengthened.  The LGA is calling on the Government to take forward commitments it made in response to its task and finish group’s report and introduce reform legislation in the next Queen’s Speech.

Digital access and skills are essential to enabling people to fully participate in an increasingly digital society. Tackling the digital divide will be crucial to addressing social and economic inequalities and levelling up every community.

Councils work in partnership with investors and landlords of all tenures to raise standards across the private rented sector.

As well as submitting this response the LGA hopes we can continue to work with Government to suggest improvements to the strategy and ensure we meet the Government’s responsibilities in delivering clean air across the country.

The LGA started a new programme of work on this issue in January 2017 when the then Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Kevin Hyland OBE, met the LGA’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board.

Tackling waste crime is a key priority for local authorities

Law enforcement and criminal justice measures are only part of the response needed to tackle serious violent crime. A multi-agency partnership approach is required, working across Government departments and all agencies, including the police, health, charities and a range of local government services such as, education, social services and youth services.

The LGA continues to work with the Home Office to tackle serious and serious organised crime. In particular, the harrowing exploitation of children and young people by county lines drugs gangs is a significant and increasing concern for councils, and they are working hard with Government and local partners to protect those at risk of abuse.

There is evidence that while high quality childcare can support children’s development and increase academic skills, low quality childcare produces either no benefit or even negative effects. The quality of provision locally, therefore, is at least as important as the quantity.

Since March (2016), the establishment of 44 Sustainability and Transformation Plans has continued apace, with each required to draft proposals to transform local health and care services.