Briefings and responses

It is vitally important that the nation’s local roads network enables commuters, businesses, residents and visitors to travel easily and freely within our local areas.

We are seeking assurances from the Government that this Bill will have no detrimental impact on local government.

The LGA is supportive of measures to provide greater clarity for consumers around terms used to describe the alcohol content of products, and for there to be consistency in the use of terms used to describe low alcohol products.

Section 19 and 22 operators play an important role in the provision of transport for councils and are often the only means by which people can maintain an independent life, reducing the demands on other public services.

The purpose of this briefing is to update councils on latest developments regarding payment of sleep-in shifts in adult social care. Although this briefing focuses on adults, the issue is also relevant to children’s services. 

The planning process needs developers, councils and local communities to work together to create effective partnerships. The earlier in the planning process these relationships are built, the more likely it is that positive outcomes will be achieved for local communities from new development.

The Tenant Fees Bill will abolish most upfront fees for tenants in England and cap security deposits at the equivalent of six weeks’ rent.

There are a number of changes to the draft revised NPPF and accompanying draft national planning practice guidance that are welcome and well-intentioned. However through discussions with councils, including at our consultation events, it has become clear that there are a number of key concerns shared by the sector.

Any effective scrutiny model must hold decision-makers to account and add value to processes and practice, as well as delivering financial savings and service improvements that positively impact on the communities they represent. Local authorities need freedom and flexibility to develop overview and scrutiny arrangements that best reflect local circumstances and priorities.

The White Paper Legislating for the UK’s withdrawal from the EU states that leaving the EU is an opportunity to ensure returning “power sits closer to the people of the UK than ever before”. It includes a commitment to continue to champion devolution to local government.