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Dear colleague,
Welcome to the LGA Conservative Group’s newsletter, in which we highlight the latest information associated with COVID-19 and other topical issues.
Vaccination is a key component of our route out of this pandemic and it is great to see that we are on track to offer a first does to all adults by 19th July. The Government has also recently opened vaccination to everyone over 18 and it has been reported that more than 700,000 vaccine appointments were booked on the day that jabs became available to people in this age group (in England).
This is a fantastic news and it means that the Government can take the next steps and more confidently lift the restrictions in the coming weeks.
One of this Government’s top priorities is to restore and enhance the environment for the next generation and to deliver sustainable development in the UK. That’s why, the Environment Bill, which makes provision about targets, plans and policies for improving the natural environment, is such an important piece of legislation.
We, at Local government, have already been prioritising environmental goals, including leading the way towards achieving net zero carbon. We are well placed to lead the environmental agenda, in fact myself and some other colleagues have recently had a constructive meeting with Rebecca Pow, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and her team to ensure council’s concerns are heard (particularly around waste and recycling reforms) while the Environment Bill is progressing through the Committee Stage in House of Lords.
As a final remark, thank you to those who have submitted their nomination for the Group Executive elections. As we have received more nominations than positions available, an electronic ballot has been held which will close at noon on Thursday 1st July. Results will be formally announced during the LGA Conference at the Conservative Group AGM on Tuesday 6th July. Please be advised, we are currently awaiting expressions of interest in the wider Board appointments.
Speaking about the Conference, I am delighted to inform you that Matt Hancock, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, has accepted our invite for the Conservative Group meeting on 8th July.
Here is the final list of our Group meetings with those ministers confirmed to speak:
- Tuesday 6 July (9.30 am) - AGM and LGA Conservative Group Meeting with Luke Hall Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government
- Wednesday 7 July (9.30 am) - LGA Conservative Group Meeting with Chris Pincher, Minister for Housing
- Thursday 8 July (9.30 am) - LGA Conservative Group Meeting with Matt Hancock, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
If you would like to attend any of the above meetings, please email us and advise which session is preferable. A Zoom link will then be sent to you closer to the time.
As always, if there is anything I or our regional lead peers can do to assist, please do not hesitate to contact us.
You can find more details about our lead peers at the bottom of this newsletter.
Best wishes,
Cllr Izzi Seccombe
Group Leader, LGA Conservative Group |
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COVID Local Support Grant
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Thérèse Coffey MP has announced that the COVID Local Support Grant arrangements will be extended for a final time, with a further investment of £160 million, to cover the period up to 30 September.
Health and care strategy
Following the unprecedented use of data and technology in health and social care during the pandemic, NHSX has published a new draft strategy, ‘Data saves lives: Reshaping health and care with data’. The strategy looks at how the health and care system can learn from the pandemic and harness the full potential of data to run at its best.
PE and Sport Premium
The Department for Education has confirmed primary schools will continue to receive the £320 million PE and Sport Premium in the next academic year.
£350m Sustainable Warmth competition now open
The Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has opened applications to local authorities for their Sustainable Warmth Competition.
LGA Conference – Free booking
The LGA’s Virtual Annual Conference is approaching fast. The three-day-event, free to members, will be an opportunity for us to all come together and discuss the latest key issues in local government, covering everything from economic recovery, climate change, council housebuilding and public health, to supporting children and young people, funding, mental health, building safety, planning reform, equalities, and devolution.
Skills and Post-16 Education Bill briefing call (open to peer members only)
The LGA is holding a briefing call for members of the House of Lords next Wednesday 30, 10-11am, on the Skills and Post-16 Education Bill. The call will be used to set out the LGA’s view on the Bills provisions and the amendments we would like to see put forward ahead of Committee stage.
if you are a Conservative peer member and interested to join this session please contact publicaffairs.team@local.gov.uk for more information.
Best practice
We are looking for examples of best practice from Conservative-run councils on a range of activities, including local test and trace schemes, supporting local businesses and high streets, as well helping local communities at a neighbourhood level.
The examples highlighted are obviously not exclusive and please do email us any best practice examples that you feel demonstrates how Conservative councils and councillors are supporting their communities during the latest phase of the pandemic.
Conservative Regional Lead Peers
The regional lead peers and the areas they cover are as follows:
- Lord Porter of Spalding CBE - National Lead Peer & Regional Lead Peer for the South East
- Councillor Paul Middlebrough - Regional Lead Peer for the South West, Hampshire and Isle of Wight
- Councillor William Nunn - Regional Lead Peer for the East of England
- Councillor Teresa O’Neill OBE - Regional Lead Peer for London
- Councillor Glen Sanderson JP - Regional Lead Peer for the East Midlands, North East and Yorkshire & Humber
- Councillor Mike Wilcox - Regional Lead Peer for the West Midlands and North West
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