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Cllr David Renard, LGA housing spokesperson, responds to the announcement from Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick that new homes delivered under permitted development rights will have to meet space standards.

“The slowdown in house-building caused by COVID-19 reinforces the urgent need for the Government to make housing a central part of the national recovery."

“As the impact of the coronavirus pandemic becomes apparent, more children, young people and their families are likely to need support."

“It is right that courses should target employers but they also must respond to the needs of different local areas, with a strong role for councils, combined authorities as well as colleges."

More councils in England are set to benefit from the latest round of the Local Government Association’s Behavioural Insights Programme as they continue to lead their communities through the COVID-19 crisis.

"It is vital that the Spending Review shifts the Government’s focus towards the key drivers of homelessness, including a lack of affordable housing, welfare-related poverty, and a lack of an integrated prevention approach."

"Modern slavery is abhorrent and councils across the country are working hard to help tackle it. This includes trying to eliminate it from their supply chains during the procurement process. This act will help councils to carry out this work."

“Free supplies of PPE is good and the right distribution needs to be in place to make sure supplies reach the frontline on time. Councils and providers should also be compensated for PPE already purchased for COVID-19 to date. These measures should be backed up by ensuring everyone in the community who needs a test can get one."

“We are pleased the Government has accepted the calls from councils and care providers for this funding to be extended, as we head into the winter period and face the possibility of a potential second wave of infections."

“Any future reforms of adult social care must apply the lessons learned from coronavirus, as well as address the issues of fairness in how we pay for these vital services. These include people who fund their own care."