Briefings and responses

We need to continue to improve air quality, protect against flooding, and ensure our transport, planning, waste and energy policies are sustainable. The LGA is committed to supporting local government to continue on this journey, particularly as we begin the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Alongside the Bill’s focus on crisis interventions and criminal justice, tackling domestic abuse requires a cross-government response incorporating health, housing and education.

A local, plan-led system continues to be vital in ensuring that councils and the communities they represent have a say over the way places develop. This includes the delivery of homes, where locally required, and the supporting infrastructure needed to create sustainable, resilient places. This will be even more critical as we move towards recovery after COVID-19.

More than 69,000 early years providers have temporarily closed during the coronavirus pandemic, with many settings citing financial difficulties as a key reason. Among those that have remained open, many are operating at a loss.

Councils are working tirelessly to protect lives, livelihoods and the most vulnerable in our communities. They have ensured that our most important public services keep running successfully.  

The consultation paper was issued before strict measures were implemented to address the COVID-19 pandemic.  However, the financial environment for local government has changed so profoundly that we cannot overlook the issue. 

For the sector to survive, the emergency financial support packages currently available must not end on a ‘cliff edge’ and longer-term financial support packages suitable for this sector must be considered for the end of 2020 and running into 2021.

Councils are working hard supporting people with a range of vulnerabilities to continue to access food throughout the coronavirus pandemic. This includes assisting with the delivery of doorstep food deliveries, and to people outside the shielded group who are unable to access food or have issues affording it.

Councils have welcomed the £3.2 million worth of additional funding to support rough sleepers, as well as the £3.2 billion to help councils through this period. However, they need a commitment that the extraordinary costs incurred by all services to date – as well as the costs from delivering “business as usual” services with reduced income flows – will be met. Without this, the sustainability of council services, including homeless services, will be jeopardised in the short and medium-term.

The crisis has shown how vital councils are in leading the response to a national emergency. National government has rightly recognised this work and it is vital that councils continue to get further support from the Treasury and adequate funding to ensure their financial position remains viable.