Briefings and responses

We continue to engage extensively in discussions with the Government on the implementation of further business rates retention and the Fair Funding Review. These reforms are important and are something local government has called for.

We have been calling for an overhaul of the current Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) process to ensure there is adequate protection for human rights. The decision to focus on how we best protect people’s liberty is positive and we support it.

Obesity is a complex problem with a large number of different but often interlinked causes. Councils take obesity seriously as evidenced by the fact they have spent over £15 billion on public health since 2013, with over £1 billion tackling child and adult obesity, and physical inactivity.

We support the principle of Universal Credit, which is to incentivise work and increase income from employment. Councils want the transition to be a success, however there are concerns about funding reductions for the programme, the impact of the freeze to working age benefits, and shortfalls in funding for supporting claimants with additional needs.

There cannot be a sustainable NHS without a sustainable adult social care system.

This response is focused solely on the key strategic challenge facing trading standards as a local government service.

We remain concerned that the introduction of the National Funding Formula, combined with changes to High Needs Funding, will exacerbate existing shortfalls in funding to support children and young people with SEND. We want to see funding for High Needs increased to meet sharply increasing demand for SEND support.

The LGA welcomes the publication of Dame Judith Hackitt’s final report, and supports many of the recommendations in it

Adult social care is a vital council service that helps to transform people’s quality of life. It supports adults of all ages with a range of different needs and their carers.

The joint Select Committee report into improving air quality is positive. The Government should consider the Committees’ warning that the support currently available to local authorities is inadequate.