Briefings and responses

The LGA recognises the transformative potential of the government's digital agenda to revolutionise public service delivery and welcomes the establishment of a central hub for digital transformation.

The LGA has long called for a new Modern Slavery Bill. We would like the Bill to clarify in domestic law the support victims of modern slavery are entitled to. At the moment, the picture can be very complex, with victims having potential entitlements if they have certain characteristics (such as needs under the Care Act, or their immigration status) or under international law.

This briefing provides a summary of new key announcements in the Chancellor’s 2025 Spring Statement, delivered on Wednesday 26 March, relevant to local government.

The LGA supports the ambition of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, and includes several long-standing LGA asks. However, concerns remain about how the Bill will ensure that councils – who best understand the needs of their areas – remain central to the planning process.

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.

We encourage the Government to ensure that all parts of the funding system – including funding for temporary accommodation, homelessness prevention, and supported housing - are working in tandem to achieve value for money and deliver the goal of ending homelessness.

These FAQs are not an exhaustive list. We will continue to add new questions and answers as and when they arise.

he bill was re-introduced by the new Labour Government with the aim to "harness the power of data for economic growth, support modern digital government, and improve people's lives". This bill is similar to the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill (DPDIB) introduced under successive Conservative Governments.

This response has been approved by Economy and Resources Board Lead Members.

Reforms to the councillor standards framework should aim to create an environment and council culture that fosters respectful democratic debate. The LGA supports the Government’s objectives of empowering councils to deliver the local outcomes residents expect without micromanagement from the centre.