Briefings and responses

This open letter on permitted development rights was sent to the Secretary of State on 26 August 2025 and published on the 1 September.

The Modern Service Framework for Dementia and Frailty intends to reduce unwarranted variation and narrow inequality for those living with dementia, and will set national standards for dementia care and redirect National Health Service priorities to provide the best possible care and support. The LGA stressed that it is essential that Modern Service Frameworks are developed in partnership with local authorities and reflect the role and responsibilities of councils in supporting people with mental health needs or dementia in the community.

“It means mobilising Mayors and councils to join up local work, health and skills support in ways that meet the needs of their area.” Joint Ministerial Foreword to Get Britain Working White Paper

This briefing includes LGA views and key messages ahead of the second reading of the Bill in the House of Commons on 2 September 2025. 

The LGA has consistently called for the updating of the formulas and the underlying data used for the assessment of relative needs and resources to ensure that varying levels of local need and demand are appropriately reflected in the funding allocation system.

As part of the Government’s ambition to tackle childhood obesity, DHSC launched a consultation seeking feedback on the drafting of the brand advertising exemption. The exemption will provide legal clarification on the existing policy intention that brand advertising which does not identify a specific less healthy food or drink product is out of scope of the restrictions.

Defra invited views on proposals to reform the system for allocating grant funding for flooding and at the same time issued a call for evidence on devolution and local choice in flood risk management. The LGA’s response from July 2025 supports the proposed reforms and asks that local government has a direct role in prioritising projects for funding.

The LGA’s response supports proposals to streamline BNG but we want to retain key parts of the policy to protect the investment in environmental improvement.

Treasury and HMRC invited views on proposals to remove the lower rate of landfill tax in a consultation that closed in July 2025. The LGA’s response asks for a longer trajectory to phase out the lower rate or for the lower rate to be replaced by an intermediate rate. This would help councils manage any additional costs in the context of other financial pressures. We also note the risk of increased fly-tipping

Community BenefitsEnergy Infrastructure Planning ReformDepartment for Energy Security and Net Zero55 WhitehallLondonSW1A 2HP  Dear Community Benefits team,