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A major new local authority public health improvement and support offer is to be led by the Local Government Association (LGA) over the next three years.

“These proposals represent a huge shake up to planning policy and we recognise the Government’s pledge to deliver more homes, better integrated with infrastructure and connected to jobs and amenities. However, to succeed, local government and its views must remain at the heart of planning and delivery."

Cllr Louise Gittins, Chair of the Local Government Association, said:  "The UK is one of the most fiscally centralised countries in the developed world so plans towards greater fiscal devolution are encouraging.

The overall financial picture for social housing is showing signs of improvement, but more support for councils is sorely needed to help alleviate pressure on their Housing Revenue Accounts (HRA), a Local Government Association survey reveals.

“The free hours childcare scheme has been crucial in helping parents afford childcare.

“We need to pull every lever to address youth employment and it is good to see further investment, alongside an expansion of the Jobs Guarantee up to those aged 24."

“It is positive the Government set out plans for much-needed reform of the SEND system, which is vital if we are to ensure children and young people with SEND get the support they need to flourish at school.

Analysis of the latest fly-tipping data shows that the average court fine for fly-tipping is £539, which is £87 lower than the £626 average fixed penalty notice (FPN) councils can issue for the same offence.

Baroness Casey is right to recognise the need to elevate the true value and purpose of care and support nationally. It is encouraging that she has strongly signalled for this to be a core foundation behind her proposals for the sector’s future.

“The temporary accommodation subsidy gap is a problem that is getting worse each year but is fixable" said Cllr Tom Hunt, Chair of the LGA’s Inclusive Growth Committee. "This would have a huge boost to council finances, money which could go towards preventing homelessness and building the homes that our communities desperately need."