Briefings and responses

Fly-tipping is inexcusable. It is not only an eyesore for residents, but a serious public health risk, creating pollution and attracting rats and other vermin. We are calling on Government to remove the cap on fixed penalty notices.

Councils aspire to help create a truly inclusive education system, and urgently want to improve support and transform outcomes for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families.

Councils have a duty to ensure sufficient school places for all pupils who need them in the state sector. We want to work with the Department for Education (DfE) to monitor any impacts of these changes, particularly regarding supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Protecting the natural environment is a big national challenge, and increasing the amount of green and blue infrastructure across the country will affect all communities. Local government has a crucial role to play as enablers and convenors, holding the key for action in local areas.

We want to work with the Government to deliver a fundamental shift towards prevention across all services and policymaking, that reinvests in vital community services and rolls out evidence-based interventions at pace.

On 17 July His Majesty The King set out the Government’s agenda for the next Parliamentary session. This briefing details the new Bills of relevance to local government.

Local government has been excited by the potential of the resource and waste reforms to achieve transformational change. It is important to seize this opportunity, rather than miss it or have it risk our progress to date. This briefing summarises our current views on the resource and waste reforms.

Energy supply is the second largest contributor to UK domestic greenhouse gas emissions. In 2022, energy supply accounted for 20 per cent of the UK’s carbon emissions. Community energy refers to energy projects that are owned, controlled, or directly benefit local communities.

Transport is the largest contributor to UK domestic greenhouse gas emissions. In 2022, transport accounted for 26 per cent of the UK’s carbon emissions. The majority of transport emissions are from road transport, with cars accounting for 52 per cent of transport emissions.

According to the most recent State of Nature report, published in 2023, there has been a 19% decline in the average abundance of wildlife species in the UK since the 1970s. Preservation and restoration of the natural environment is an urgent priority that needs to be addressed by councils and individuals alike.