Briefings and responses

The Department for Housing, Levelling Up and Communities held a consultation from 6 March to 1 May 2024 on the proposed introduction of an accelerated planning service, changes to the use of extension of time agreements, expanding the written appeals process, and introducing section 73B applications to vary planning permissions.

Councils want to work with government on developing and funding a better system for accommodating and supporting asylum seekers.

We are pleased that the Government has listened to the LGA and councils and decided not to significantly reduce the flexibilities in how councils collect waste from people’s homes.

It is good to see that Defra’s recognises the need for urgency after a long period of delay, but decisions made without proper consideration of the evidence may have unforeseen consequences for councils.

The free school meals system is an important component of the support that is provided to low income families and the broader work to tackle health inequalities and rising food insecurity.

Over recent decades, construction of new homes has failed to keep pace with population growth and social changes. At the same time, there are currently not enough affordable homes to meet current demand with more than 1.32 million households on council waiting lists in England and over 109,000 households living in temporary accommodation.

The LGA welcomes the opportunity to respond to the annual consultation on the National Fraud Initiative (NFI) workplan and scale of fees.

There is a growing threat to democracy and social cohesion posed by conspiracy theories, disinformation and extremist activity, in particular the appalling abuse of councillors.

The Renters (Reform) Bill is a flagship piece of legislation introduced by Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Secretary Michael Gove to deliver on the Government’s 2019 manifesto pledge to reform the private rented sector (PRS).

High quality early years provision can generate sustained and significant improvements on children’s outcomes, reducing disparities in later life. Wider reform of the childcare system is needed to provide a truly accessible and affordable offer for parents in every community.