Briefings and responses

This briefing pack is designed to provide a foundational understanding of adult social care - what it is, why it matters, and how it operates within the council. It explores questions and challenges in key areas in health and adult social care from a senior leadership perspective.

18 February 2026. This response has been approved by the LGA’s Chair and Group Leaders, following consultation with Local Government Resources Committee Lead Members and the Culture, Tourism and Sport Committee.

The LGA welcomes aspects of the settlement, including multi-year settlements and grant simplification but recognises that different councils are affected by the settlement in very different ways.

The following questions have been answered by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. They are not an exhaustive list. We will continue to add new questions and answers as and when they arise, and to work with MHCLG to provide answers as appropriate.

The Local Government Association (LGA) supports the introduction of a clear and comprehensive legal framework that applies to the use of biometric technologies by law enforcement organisations. From a local government perspective, clarity and consistency in the legal basis for the use of these technologies is essential to maintaining public confidence, ensuring proportionality and supporting effective partnership working at a local level.

On 26 January 2026, the Government published a Policing White Paper setting out proposals for the most significant reforms to policing in England and Wales for a generation. The White Paper seeks to address challenges in police performance, public confidence and the ability of policing to respond to serious and complex crime - whilst also restoring neighbourhood policing.

Councils want to work as partners with the National Energy System Operator to deliver a national energy system fit for purpose and fit for the future. Councils are well-placed to do this as place-shapers, convenors of communities and partners, delivery agents, commissioners, and owners of assets.

This briefing includes LGA views and identifies areas of concern to our members ahead of Committee Stage in the House of Lords.

This response integrates the feedback from LGA members across the Inclusive Growth, Culture Tourism and Sport, and Fire and Rescue Authority Committees as well as engagement with planning officers.