Briefings and responses

LGA's response to the Community safety partnerships review and anti- social behaviour powers consultation.

The Non-Domestic Rating Bill implements a number of changes to the system of non-domestic rates (known as business rates) in England and Wales.

It is helpful to acknowledge the multi-agency nature of child protection work. By including this as one of the pillars, we hope to see more done to hold partners to account, for example ensuring that children and families can access appropriate mental health services where this is key to keeping them safe and well. There is no reference within these pillars to the importance of properly resourcing the system.

Councils want to work as partners with central government, and Ofgem, to tackle climate change with a focus on transitioning to net zero.

This briefing outlines LGA policy on council tax and council tax reform and also highlights work commissioned by the LGA on council tax and alternative forms of funding for local government.

The valuation of non-investment assets for financial reporting purposes has been a contributory factor to the current crisis in local audit and how the valuation of such assets is audited is an area that needs to be addressed if the crisis is to be solved. Clearly how the assets are valued in the first place is an important step in that and we are in broad agreement with the proposals in the consultation for most asset classes. However, the proposals for valuing networked assets (usually called “infrastructure assets” in local authorities) will cause significant problems and additional costs for councils and we suggest that an alternative and more practical approach should be taken to valuing them.

Houses in Multiple Occupancy (HMO) licensing requirements sets out the national minimum standards that HMO accommodation must meet to ensure the safety and quality of accommodation.

We support the Government’s ambition to improve the service and support that victims receive, and hope that the Victims and Prisoners Bill and related non-legislative measures will help to improve victims’ confidence to report crimes and seek justice, as well as to rebuild their lives.

Local government would welcome discussions with Government on potential impacts on councils of the Illegal Migration Bill. The Second Reading of the Bill will take place in the House of Lords on 10 May 2023.

The LGA welcomes the opportunity to comment on amendments to the regulation of POPs and the impact this could have on services that are highly valued by residents.