News

Responding to the Prime Minister’s announcement of new spending powers for mayors, Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, Chair of the Local Government Association said: “We have long called for greater fiscal devolution, and this announcement is a positive step towards realising that ambition.

Responding to the announcements from the Prime Minister and Baroness Casey on adult social care and the Casey Commission Big Conversation, Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, Chair of the Local Government Association, said: “Building the broadest possible cross-party consensus and public support for change will be essential for adult social care reform to get across the line and stand the test of time. “We share the ambition of the Casey Commission to engage the public on its thinking in its process. Councils’ role as convenors of local people and communities can help maximise input into the Commission’s Big

“It is tragic that any child grows up in crisis, and this report delivers a stark warning to the new Prime Minister and his government of the need to prioritise the lives of vulnerable children.

Immunisation commissioning transfers from NHS England to Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) in April 2027. The LGA says this change risks uncertainty over where responsibility for vaccination sits locally and that this must be made simpler. Currently, it is shared between NHS England, UK Health Security Agency, ICBs and councils.

Councils should not be used to run a national tax for high-value properties that could be expensive for councils, confusing for residents and damaging to local accountability, the Local Government Association warns. The Government’s High Value Council Tax Surcharge (HVCTS) is proposed as a new national tax on homes valued above £2 million. It would be set entirely by central government.  However, under the plans, councils would be responsible for billing, collecting and enforcing the surcharge, despite having no control over the tax rate, eligibility rules or exemptions. Councils would also

Today, the Government announced that bus fares would be capped at £2 for a single journey. Responding, Cllr Liam Robinson said: “This is a positive measure that will help ease the cost of living and mean people can travel more affordably in their area."

“The scale of the challenge in ending homelessness for good is immense and growing, with the highest number of people sleeping rough since records began" said Cllr Liam Robinson, continuing "This is therefore an ambitious and much needed announcement, and we look forward to seeing the finer detail."

"Councils will work with the Prime Minister's government to tackle the biggest issues facing our communities, including long overdue reform of adult social care and ending rough sleeping."

The LGA responds to the Government’s announcement of the Adult Social Care Negotiating Body and first ever Fair Pay Agreement for care workers.

“We know how important affordable holiday childcare provision is for parents and carers, and councils recognise there is a shortage of options, especially for children with SEND.