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“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.

“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."

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

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.

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.

“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."

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.

“Council employees have been offered a pay increase of 3.30 per cent from 1 April 2026.  For the lowest paid (currently earning £24,796 per annum), the offer means their pay will have increased since April 2021 by £7,282 (39.72 per cent). 

“Councils will be working at pace to navigate these changes whilst continuing to deliver vital services for their communities."

“The Government is right to focus on widening access to excellent culture and strengthening public confidence in an independent Arts Council England.