Briefings and responses

The latest statistics from the National Crime Agency show that the number of council referrals of suspected victims of modern slavery to the National Referral Mechanism has risen from 153 in 2013 to 1342 in 2018.

The LGA has called for the Government to introduce a mandatory levy on the gambling industry to fund research, education and treatment. This view is supported by other organisations, including GambleAware, the charity responsible for minimising gambling-related harm.

The National FGM Centre (NFGMC) works with local authorities and communities to keep children and young people safe from female genital mutilation (FGM), breast flattening and child abuse linked to faith or belief.

Councils are just about managing to keep leisure facilities running but in many cases, these facilities are coming to the end of their lifespan. In 2017, we highlighted figures that showed that 60 per cent of swimming pools are now more than 20 years old.

There needs to be a full and comprehensive consultation held with relevant stakeholders, including representatives from children’s services, youth offending teams, the police, the voluntary and community sector, and the public, before KCPOs are brought into effect.

We need to help pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) at any earlier point, to ensure they are fully supported in school and not left vulnerable to criminal exploitation. This includes significant and sustainable funding to manage the rising demand in support from pupils with SEND.

Knife crime has a devastating impact on victims, their families and communities. The recent rise in such crimes committed by young people is of enormous concern.

We agree the safeguarding response to this crime could be strengthened to improve protection for people who are at risk and unable to protect themselves, ensure perpetrators are brought to justice and help to prevent forced marriage from occurring in the first place.

Councils are uniquely placed to deliver programmes that improve the lives of children and young people, as they have responsibility for delivering over 800 local services. This includes councils’ duty to protect children and young people from involvement in, and the impact of, youth violence.

"The LGA supports the proposed new electoral law and any additional efforts to tackle the intimidation of local political candidates."