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The LGA’s report shows that some independent providers of children’s residential and fostering placements are achieving profits of more than 20 per cent on their income.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that access to a good quality, affordable broadband connection is vital for our communities and it is very concerning that people are priced out of this. We continue to call for a ‘social tariff’ to ensure a basic service is available at an affordable price to those most in need."

“Bridges are a vital part of our highways infrastructure that connect communities and business. Councils are doing their best to ensure they are well maintained and withstand extreme weather. However, this is becoming increasingly challenging in the face of a backlog of nearly £10 billion to bring our roads up to scratch.”

Responding to the announcement that all new housing developments must meet local standards of beauty, quality and design, Cllr David Renard, housing spokesperson for the LGA, said: “We look forward to seeing the details of the draft national design code and the new Office for Place. We want to continue to work with the Government to get these proposals right. “Councils need to be at the forefront of a locally determined planning system which meets the housing needs and aspirations of their communities, and support proposals that go some way to facilitating that. “Along with government, we

Cllr Nesil Caliskan, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board, said: “It is good the Ministry of Justice has announced this additional funding"

“Unfortunately, these new scams are not the first we’ve seen related to COVID-19 and they most likely won’t be the last. Everyone must be vigilant and scrutinise any message claiming to be from the Government, NHS, HMRC, Ofcom or their local authority."

“The success of the rollout so far is a reflection of the ongoing close partnership between care home managers, councils and the NHS, in line with protecting those in the first four priority groups."

Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, responds to the latest Office for National Statistics data showing a record number of deaths caused by alcohol during the first nine months of 2020.

"Councils have been working hard with their partners to respond to changing and emerging threats to children and young people, including criminal exploitation, through online and virtual contact and resources, as well as high priority home visits."

“Local elections play a crucial role in our nation’s democracy. This year’s will see everyone in England having a ballot of some kind, with many places having multiple ballots taking place at once – this is unprecedented. Councils have been working hard to put preparations in place to deliver these with their usual efficiency.