News

Councils, which are responsible for public health, run a range of innovative programmes to help people quit smoking and have taken great strides in helping people to stub out tobacco for good. Despite this, smoking is still the leading cause of preventable death, responsible for nearly 79,000 deaths a year.

The average new home in England will have to last 2,000 years if the sluggish rate of house building and replacement continues, the Local Government Association warns today.

“All parts of local government must be reflective of the communities they represent and be at the forefront of driving the level of change required."

“Councils know that having a reliable and efficient waste collection and recycling service is hugely important to residents."

“It is absolutely critical that the Government brings forward its Green Paper on the future of social care announced in the Queen’s Speech, and that it works with local government leaders in delivering a long-term sustainable solution for social care."

“Litter and fly-tipping costs council taxpayers around £1 billion a year. We would now urge Government to build further on this encouraging step and hand councils the powers they need to rid communities of litter."

“We are pleased that the Government has recognised the importance of supporting the return of good experienced social workers back into the profession."

“This report highlights the multiple factors that impact on children’s health and wellbeing, and demonstrates the importance of all agencies at local and national level considering how their policies and practice will impact on young people."

The number of specialist homes for older people will need to increase by 400,000 units in less than 20 years as a result of our ageing population, new analysis by the Local Government Association reveals today.

“Homelessness is a tragedy, as a settled home is crucial to health and wellbeing for individuals and families, and is a central cornerstone of successful communities."