WIREDGOV

LGA Chair Louise Gittins, responded to the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change speech 

“Councils are – and always will be – key to solving many of the national challenges highlighted by the Prime Minister last week. 

“As we set out in our recent vision for children, young people and families, we know that a child’s earliest years are their foundation, and high-quality early years provision can have a significant positive impact on their immediate development and long-term future. Family and community hubs are making a real difference in supporting parents and young children and councils want to work with all partners at local level, in particular the NHS, so that the next generation gets the best start in life.

“We are pleased to see a strong focus on this vital period and call on the Government to work with us so the system can deliver for children and their families. This includes ensuring that children from disadvantaged backgrounds or with additional needs receive the right support, giving councils the right levers to manage local markets, and making sure we have the highly qualified and appropriately rewarded workforce that we need.

“Councils also have a vital role to play in driving inclusive economic growth and encouraging and planning for housebuilding, including the building of more homes for social rent and homes which are genuinely affordable. With the right powers, skills, and funding councils can unlock new opportunities for housebuilding across the country and build more homes to help tackle the housing crisis we face.

"Councils also stand ready to work with government to deliver clean energy and the benefits of net zero in our communities. With some impact over 80 per cent of local emissions – from transport and housing to renewable energy, the country cannot reach net zero without empowering councils to lead the transition in every village, town and city.

“It is good to get clarity on the next steps for the Government’s priorities. However, councils need adequate, long-term funding and the right powers to be able to help bring about the solutions. Only by working together as equal partners, can central and local government meet the fundamental long-term challenges we face as a country.

"We look forward to continuing to work with – and challenging - the government so we can make real change happen for people in local communities.”