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Dear Colleague,
I know many of you have been working around the clock to ensure residents and business are kept updated on storms Dudley and Eunice. As you will know, the Met Office issued a rare Red Warning which applies to some areas in the South West and South Wales for most of this morning, with a separate Red Warning coming into force for much of the South East and London from 10am to 3pm today. People are being advised to stay inside and avoid non-urgent journeys. Meanwhile, the Environment Agency is urging people living in flood risk communities in the Severn and Wye estuaries and areas along the South West coast to prepare for flooding as a result of Storm Eunice and tidal surges. They have produced helpful guidance which can be shared with residents in these areas and have published a news story flooding issues. If you haven’t already please sing sign up flood warnings.
This week's CommsNet also includes information about the upcoming strategy for living with COVID-19 that the Prime Minister is presenting on Monday 21 February. There is also a request to support the LGA in finding an organisation or specialist to develop an advertising strategy aimed at encouraging disabled people to stand for council elections. Finally we include information on how residents can get involved in the secondary consultation for The Boundary Commission England.
As always, please feel free to contact myself or colleagues from the Comms directorate here at the LGA if there is anything further we can be doing to support.
Living with COVID-19 strategy and new assets
On Monday 21 February, the Prime Minister will present a ‘strategy for living with COVID-19’. Links to an additional public services briefing will be circulated on Monday, by the Cabinet Office, to communicate details of this announcement. Currently, Plan A guidance continues and this week new assets uploaded to the COVID-19 resources hub include those about:
The hub contains content suitable for a variety of channels and media and is updated regularly by colleagues at the Department for Health and Social Care and Public Health England. If you haven’t already done so, you can subscribe to be notified when the latest COVID-19 resources are available.
Developing an advertising strategy
The LGA is looking for an organisation or specialist to help us develop an advertising strategy aimed at attracting and encouraging disabled people to stand for council elections. The targeted advertising will be used across a number of channels including the Be a Councillor website, council websites, social media, printed materials and banner stands.
The Boundary Commission England’s secondary consultation
The Boundary Commission England’s secondary consultation will be taking place on Tuesday 22 February, running until Friday 4 April 2022. The secondary consultation follows on from the initial consultation, whereby UK Parliamentary constituency boundaries are reviewed periodically to take account of population changes. The secondary period includes public hearings, which each region must hold. There must be at least two and no more than five per region, lasting up to two days. The partner pack created by Boundary Commission England aims to provide the information people need to be aware of in relation to the 2023 Boundary Review with detail on how residents can get involved. If you have any questions or require the partner pack in a different format, please get in touch information@boundarycommissionengland.gov.uk.
Claire Hogan
Interim Director of Communications
Local Government Association
@ClaireHoganLGA |
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From the LGA's Deputy Chief Executive
Firstly, thank you to the council teams who have been working around the clock to support residents and businesses affected by Storm Dudley and Eunice. As you will know, the Met Office has issued a rare Red Warning which applies to some areas in the South West and South Wales for most of this morning, with a separate Red Warning coming into force for much of the South East and London from 10am to 3pm today. People are being advised to stay inside and avoid non-urgent journeys. Meanwhile, the Environment Agency is urging people living in flood risk communities in the Severn and Wye estuaries and areas along the South West coast to prepare for flooding as a result of Storm Eunice, and they have produced helpful guidance which can be shared with residents in these areas. We’re aware that some areas may need additional support, including with clean up costs from the storm and flooding, so please do feed any specific issues back to your Principal Adviser.
When Parliament returns from recess next week, the Government is expected to outline it’s “Living with COVID” strategy. It has been reported that this will likely involve the lifting of remaining legal public health protections, including the legal requirement to self-isolate following a positive test. Reports have also suggested that Ministers may be considering whether to stand down the provision of free lateral flow tests and scale back community surveillance as part of the longer-term response to the pandemic.
We know that councils and directors of public health are continuing to work tirelessly to keep communities safe and are continuing to manage pressures across services, including critical staff shortages. With the news that national COVID regulations will be removed sooner than expected, we are promoting the vital role council-led local public health provision has had over the past two years, and the significant work we will be undertaking in the coming months on areas including vaccine uptake. We are making the case to Government that councils need continued support, including with staffing cover across key frontline services, while rates of transmission remain high and service delivery challenges continue. We are also seeking urgent clarity on whether much-needed outbreak management funding, which has helped councils to reduce the spread of the virus will be extended beyond March, to ensure areas can continue to drive down the virus and protect vulnerable communities.
You will have seen that the Secretary of State for Health, Sajid Javid, has announced that all children age 5-11 will be offered two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech paediatric vaccine on a ‘non-urgent’ basis, following updated advice from the Joint Committee of Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). Although this age group is generally at very low risk of serious illness from the virus, a small number of children do experience long-term symptoms and conditions after a COVID infection, and a very small number experience severe disease, meaning that the vaccine will offer them valuable protection and hopefully help to minimise disruption in education. The decision also comes amid a new review from the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA), which found that vaccines cut the risk of developing long-COVID in half. The NHS is set to extend the offer to children in this group during April, and we will keep you updated on any developments as councils look to support the rollout.
Elsewhere, nominations are now open for the New Year 2023 honours round. The New Year honours are a fantastic opportunity to recognise the outstanding contribution and service of local government colleagues. The Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) is offering training opportunities to help you get the most out of the Honours system which colleagues may wish to book onto, and you can also take a look at the information pack.
As ever, we have a packed calendar of events ahead for members. I particularly look forward to welcoming local government colleagues as we return to our first in-person events, with the LGA’s Annual Fire Conference and Exhibition in Gateshead in March, and our Annual Conference which will be held in Harrogate in June. Take a look at our events page and secure your place now.
Court fees refund
Following our work to raise an issue on behalf of member councils regarding the Government’s delay in refunding court fees for council tax summons, we are delighted that the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) have confirmed that refunds will now be issued by 31 March 2022. The MoJ first acknowledged in 2018 that the fees had been set too high since 2013-14 following an "administrative error" and committed to refund them. Therefore, this is a hugely positive and long-awaited development for local government. Councils who are due to receive a refund should have already received a letter from the MoJ. We also provided details about the information required by the Home Office to all Finance Directors and Monitoring Officers on Friday 11 February. If you have any questions about the refund process then please get in touch with Civil_Refunds@justice.gov.uk.
Heightened risk of malicious cyber incidents
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) are urging UK organisations to bolster their cyber security resilience in response to malicious cyber incidents in and around Ukraine. The NCSC have issued guidance that encourages organisations to follow actionable steps that reduce the risk of being impacted by cyber attacks including:
- patching systems
- improving access controls and enabling multi-factor authentication
- implementing an effective incident response plan
- checking backups and restore mechanisms are working
- ensuring that online defences are working as expected
- keeping up to date with the latest threat information.
If you need further support please get in touch with the LGA team at LGAcybersecurity@local.gov.uk.
COVID-19 case rates and vaccine impact
UKHSA has published its latest weekly surveillance report, which tracks COVID-19, seasonal flu and other respiratory illnesses. It showed that COVID-19 case rates were highest in children and young people, with a weekly rate of 1315.1 per 100,000 population, and lowest in those aged 70 to 79, with a weekly rate of 314.7 per 100,000 population. Weekly case rates were highest in the South East, at 1013.9 and lowest in the North West, with a weekly rate of 560.4.
UKHSA has also published new analysis that shows positive results from the booster programme, which is estimated to have prevented 105,600 people from being admitted to hospital with COVID-19 since 13 December 2021.You can read the latest weekly vaccine surveillance report online.
NHS 12-15s COVID-19 vaccination toolkit
As a reminder, the NHS 12-15 COVID-19 vaccination toolkit contains the latest messaging for the 12-15 age group, updated stats and a variety of assets from NHS and stakeholders, including UKHSA. This toolkit also reflects the very latest guidance for young people travelling abroad, ahead of the half term break. Please continue to use this toolkit to share messaging directly and with your networks.
COVID-19 saliva test: guidance
UKHSA has published new step-by-step guidance on how to do a COVID-19 saliva (spit) test. Saliva testing, also known as a spit test and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) testing, is only available through a registered organisation, such as a school, university or workplace and is used to test people who do not have COVID-19 symptoms.
COVID-19 guidance translations
The Government has added new translated versions of guidance for households with possible COVID-19 infection and guidance for contacts of people with confirmed COVID-19 infection who do not live with the person, which you may wish to share via your networks. New translated resources about long COVID and arranging or attending a funeral or commemorative event have also been added to the COVID-19 migrant health guide.
Court fees refund
Following our work to raise an issue on behalf of member councils regarding the Government’s delay in refunding court fees for council tax summons, we are delighted that the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) have confirmed that refunds will now be issued by 31 March 2022. The MoJ first acknowledged in 2018 that the fees had been set too high since 2013-14 following an "administrative error" and committed to refund them. Therefore, this is a hugely positive and long-awaited development for local government. Councils who are due to receive a refund should have already received a letter from the MoJ. We also provided details about the information required by the Home Office to all Finance Directors and Monitoring Officers on Friday 11 February. If you have any questions about the refund process then please get in touch with Civil_Refunds@justice.gov.uk.
Heightened risk of malicious cyber incidents
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) are urging UK organisations to bolster their cyber security resilience in response to malicious cyber incidents in and around Ukraine. The NCSC have issued guidance that encourages organisations to follow actionable steps that reduce the risk of being impacted by cyber attacks including:
- patching systems
- improving access controls and enabling multi-factor authentication
- implementing an effective incident response plan
- checking backups and restore mechanisms are working
- ensuring that online defences are working as expected
- keeping up to date with the latest threat information.
If you need further support please get in touch with the LGA team at LGAcybersecurity@local.gov.uk.
COVID-19 case rates and vaccine impact
UKHSA has published its latest weekly surveillance report, which tracks COVID-19, seasonal flu and other respiratory illnesses. It showed that COVID-19 case rates were highest in children and young people, with a weekly rate of 1315.1 per 100,000 population, and lowest in those aged 70 to 79, with a weekly rate of 314.7 per 100,000 population. Weekly case rates were highest in the South East, at 1013.9 and lowest in the North West, with a weekly rate of 560.4.
UKHSA has also published new analysis that shows positive results from the booster programme, which is estimated to have prevented 105,600 people from being admitted to hospital with COVID-19 since 13 December 2021.You can read the latest weekly vaccine surveillance report online.
NHS 12-15s COVID-19 vaccination toolkit
As a reminder, the NHS 12-15 COVID-19 vaccination toolkit contains the latest messaging for the 12-15 age group, updated stats and a variety of assets from NHS and stakeholders, including UKHSA. This toolkit also reflects the very latest guidance for young people travelling abroad, ahead of the half term break. Please continue to use this toolkit to share messaging directly and with your networks.
COVID-19 saliva test: guidance
UKHSA has published new step-by-step guidance on how to do a COVID-19 saliva (spit) test. Saliva testing, also known as a spit test and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) testing, is only available through a registered organisation, such as a school, university or workplace and is used to test people who do not have COVID-19 symptoms.
COVID-19 guidance translations
The Government has added new translated versions of guidance for households with possible COVID-19 infection and guidance for contacts of people with confirmed COVID-19 infection who do not live with the person, which you may wish to share via your networks. New translated resources about long COVID and arranging or attending a funeral or commemorative event have also been added to the COVID-19 migrant health guide.
Adult Social Care Charging Reform
As I mentioned last week, the LGA, ADASS and other stakeholders have been working with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to help shape the draft guidance for the implementation of the cap on care costs and wider social care charging reform and ensure it reflects the issues of most concern to councils. DHSC plans to launch a consultation on the draft guidance in the coming weeks, which will run for four weeks. All councils will be encouraged to take part to ensure the guidance is practical and fit for purpose to make the transition to the new charging system as smooth as possible. We questioned the short turnaround on the consultation and DHSC advised this was to enable the Department to develop the final guidance and allow councils to have maximum implementation time. After considering the sector’s responses, the Government aims to publish final guidance by the end of Spring 2022. Given that many of the key parameters have already been announced, DHSC hope that councils will be able to begin to plan implementation in advance of the publication of the final guidance.
Alongside this work on the guidance, and given our publicly stated concerns about the potential underfunding of the charging reforms, the LGA is coordinating a piece of rapid work with partners, including councils, to look in more detail at the likely costs of the planned changes. This will help with our own consultation response and provide additional evidence to Government so that their decisions on the reforms are the most appropriate and take account of the full impact on local government.
Integration White Paper
We have published a briefing which summarises the key proposals outlined in the Health and Social Care Integration White Paper, “joining up care for people, place and populations,” which was published on 9 February. The briefing also gives the LGA’s initial key messages on the proposals. We’re keen to hear your views on the proposals as we develop our response to the White Paper consultation, so please do share them with alyson.morley@local.gov.uk.
Fuller Stocktake of primary care and ICSs
Dr Claire Fuller, GP and Chief Executive of Surrey Heartlands has been asked by Amanda Pritchard (NHS CEO) to lead a wide-ranging national stocktake of how primary care can best be supported within integrated care systems (ICSs) to meet the health needs of people in their local areas, focusing on practical steps ICSs can take as they assume a statutory footing from July 2022.
NHSE is keen to hear as wide a range of views as possible about how to ensure integrated primary care is at the heart of ICSs and want to hear examples of best practice that is already happening across the country. You can find out more information and take part in the stocktake online.
Suicide Prevention SLI Offer
The LGA and ADPH are pleased to present the Suicide Prevention SLI Offer 21/22. Bespoke expert support is now available for up to 15 local authorities and partners who self-identify as facing delivery challenges locally around suicide prevention. As part of the offer, experts will deliver 1-day workshop on a specific delivery challenge or they can support a local authority with up to 3 days of light touch support on a specific delivery challenge. This is with the aim of producing an action plan for the local area to take forward to address local opportunities and challenges in suicide prevention.
For more information, visit www.local.gov.uk/suicide-prevention-sector-led-improvement-programme or email suicide.prevention@local.gov.uk.
National Transfer Scheme update
Mandatory enrolment in the National Transfer Scheme for Asylum Scheme for unaccompanied asylum seeking children (UASC) has now been rolled out to the remaining 29 councils with children’s services. Councils in this final group will have received a letter from the Minister for Safe and Legal Migration, Kevin Foster MP, this week, directing them to take part in the scheme.
Adult Social Care Charging Reform
As I mentioned last week, the LGA, ADASS and other stakeholders have been working with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to help shape the draft guidance for the implementation of the cap on care costs and wider social care charging reform and ensure it reflects the issues of most concern to councils. DHSC plans to launch a consultation on the draft guidance in the coming weeks, which will run for four weeks. All councils will be encouraged to take part to ensure the guidance is practical and fit for purpose to make the transition to the new charging system as smooth as possible. We questioned the short turnaround on the consultation and DHSC advised this was to enable the Department to develop the final guidance and allow councils to have maximum implementation time. After considering the sector’s responses, the Government aims to publish final guidance by the end of Spring 2022. Given that many of the key parameters have already been announced, DHSC hope that councils will be able to begin to plan implementation in advance of the publication of the final guidance.
Alongside this work on the guidance, and given our publicly stated concerns about the potential underfunding of the charging reforms, the LGA is coordinating a piece of rapid work with partners, including councils, to look in more detail at the likely costs of the planned changes. This will help with our own consultation response and provide additional evidence to Government so that their decisions on the reforms are the most appropriate and take account of the full impact on local government.
Integration White Paper
We have published a briefing which summarises the key proposals outlined in the Health and Social Care Integration White Paper, “joining up care for people, place and populations,” which was published on 9 February. The briefing also gives the LGA’s initial key messages on the proposals. We’re keen to hear your views on the proposals as we develop our response to the White Paper consultation, so please do share them with alyson.morley@local.gov.uk.
Fuller Stocktake of primary care and ICSs
Dr Claire Fuller, GP and Chief Executive of Surrey Heartlands has been asked by Amanda Pritchard (NHS CEO) to lead a wide-ranging national stocktake of how primary care can best be supported within integrated care systems (ICSs) to meet the health needs of people in their local areas, focusing on practical steps ICSs can take as they assume a statutory footing from July 2022.
NHSE is keen to hear as wide a range of views as possible about how to ensure integrated primary care is at the heart of ICSs and want to hear examples of best practice that is already happening across the country. You can find out more information and take part in the stocktake online.
Suicide Prevention SLI Offer
The LGA and ADPH are pleased to present the Suicide Prevention SLI Offer 21/22. Bespoke expert support is now available for up to 15 local authorities and partners who self-identify as facing delivery challenges locally around suicide prevention. As part of the offer, experts will deliver 1-day workshop on a specific delivery challenge or they can support a local authority with up to 3 days of light touch support on a specific delivery challenge. This is with the aim of producing an action plan for the local area to take forward to address local opportunities and challenges in suicide prevention.
For more information, visit www.local.gov.uk/suicide-prevention-sector-led-improvement-programme or email suicide.prevention@local.gov.uk.
National Transfer Scheme update
Mandatory enrolment in the National Transfer Scheme for Asylum Scheme for unaccompanied asylum seeking children (UASC) has now been rolled out to the remaining 29 councils with children’s services. Councils in this final group will have received a letter from the Minister for Safe and Legal Migration, Kevin Foster MP, this week, directing them to take part in the scheme.
Support for Hong Kong residents
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities has awarded £2.6 million of funding to 47 national and regional projects, which aim to help people from Hong Kong to settle successfully into life in the UK. The support includes educational resources, access to mental health services, and help for people to find jobs and start their own businesses. You can take a look at the full list of successful projects online.
New guidelines: supporting disabled children and young people to be more active
Yesterday new guidelines were announced by the UK Chief Medical Officer to support disabled children and young people to be more physically active. The new guidelines recommend disabled children and young people undertake 20 minutes of exercise per day and strength and balance activities three times a week. Children and young people with disabilities are less likely to be active than non-disabled children, which can lead to health disparities which may widen as they become older.
Guidance: Political impartiality in schools
The Department of Education (DfE) has published new guidance to support teachers to tackle sensitive issues in the classroom in a politically impartial way. The guidance intends to help teachers and schools navigate current socio-political and historical issues, such as the legacy of the British Empire or societal responses to racism, in accordance with the law, which states that teachers must not promote partisan political views and should offer a balanced overview of opposing views when political issues are taught.
England for Everyone Fund
The Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has announced the establishment of a £600,000 fund to support families that are struggling financially, or facing illness, isolation or bereavement to take a short UK holiday. It is hoped that the £600,000 will provide more than 800 holidays and trips for families over the next few months. The allocations will be managed by the Family Holiday Charity.
Domestic abuse support: funding and consultations
This week the Government announced that £125 million is being allocated to councils’ to support the delivery of the Domestic Abuse Duty. Councils’ individual allocations can be viewed online. We were pleased that our calls for additional funding were recognised, and the amount matches the funding made available in the first year of the duty. However, as we outlined in our media response, it is important that the Government offers councils clarity on the expected levels of funding for future years and increases investment in prevention and wider community-based support services.
DLUHC have also launched two consultations to review current social housing rules, so they better support victims of domestic abuse. The consultations will consider removing Local Connection Tests for domestic abuse victims and whether and how to change current rules that make it difficult for victims to remove their perpetrators from joint tenancies. You can respond to both consultations until the 10 May 2022.
Support for Hong Kong residents
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities has awarded £2.6 million of funding to 47 national and regional projects, which aim to help people from Hong Kong to settle successfully into life in the UK. The support includes educational resources, access to mental health services, and help for people to find jobs and start their own businesses. You can take a look at the full list of successful projects online.
New guidelines: supporting disabled children and young people to be more active
Yesterday new guidelines were announced by the UK Chief Medical Officer to support disabled children and young people to be more physically active. The new guidelines recommend disabled children and young people undertake 20 minutes of exercise per day and strength and balance activities three times a week. Children and young people with disabilities are less likely to be active than non-disabled children, which can lead to health disparities which may widen as they become older.
Guidance: Political impartiality in schools
The Department of Education (DfE) has published new guidance to support teachers to tackle sensitive issues in the classroom in a politically impartial way. The guidance intends to help teachers and schools navigate current socio-political and historical issues, such as the legacy of the British Empire or societal responses to racism, in accordance with the law, which states that teachers must not promote partisan political views and should offer a balanced overview of opposing views when political issues are taught.
England for Everyone Fund
The Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has announced the establishment of a £600,000 fund to support families that are struggling financially, or facing illness, isolation or bereavement to take a short UK holiday. It is hoped that the £600,000 will provide more than 800 holidays and trips for families over the next few months. The allocations will be managed by the Family Holiday Charity.
Domestic abuse support: funding and consultations
This week the Government announced that £125 million is being allocated to councils’ to support the delivery of the Domestic Abuse Duty. Councils’ individual allocations can be viewed online. We were pleased that our calls for additional funding were recognised, and the amount matches the funding made available in the first year of the duty. However, as we outlined in our media response, it is important that the Government offers councils clarity on the expected levels of funding for future years and increases investment in prevention and wider community-based support services.
DLUHC have also launched two consultations to review current social housing rules, so they better support victims of domestic abuse. The consultations will consider removing Local Connection Tests for domestic abuse victims and whether and how to change current rules that make it difficult for victims to remove their perpetrators from joint tenancies. You can respond to both consultations until the 10 May 2022.
Community Safety Partnerships
The LGA is looking to hold a series of focus groups with Community Safety Partnerships (CSP) leads. The aim of the focus groups is to understand current CSP arrangements, share best practice and discuss what’s working well and potential challenges. We would be grateful if your CSP lead officer could get in touch with Rachel.Phelps@local.gov.uk, who will follow-up with further information.
Armed forces covenant training
Forces Connect South East is offering free Armed Forces awareness training sessions for front line council staff. The session is designed to build on or refresh colleagues understanding of the Armed Forces Covenant and the new legislation. The session will also explore the challenges that the armed forces community are likely to face and how councils can better understand their needs. Council staff from across the country are welcome to book onto a session, which will be held via MS Teams. Sessions will take place on Thursday 17 March at 12pm or 2pm, and Monday 25 April at 10am or 11.15am. Please email fcse@surreycc.gov.uk to register.
DLUHC event: Ending Rough Sleeping
DLUHC are holding an event, ‘Delivering Together to End Rough Sleeping’, hosted by the Secretary of State, Michael Gove MP, and the Minister for Rough Sleeping and Housing Eddie Hughes MP. Following the publication of the annual snapshot statistics on 24 February, the event will be an opportunity to hear from Ministers on the Government’s approach to ending rough sleeping, ask questions, and hear from partners across the sector about their work to end rough sleeping. The event will be held via MS Teams at 11:30am on Tuesday 1 March 2022, and is open to colleagues in all Local Authorities, Rough Sleeping Co-ordinators and delivery partners in the voluntary and community sector. You can register for the event online. If you have any questions, please contact hrsengagement@levellingup.gov.uk.
Bus service pressures
The bus recovery grant, introduced last year to help operators cope with the drop-off in passenger numbers through the pandemic, is due to end at the end of March and the Government have yet to confirm if this funding will be extended. We are concerned that bus services across the country could be reduced by almost a third if this funding is not extended, as passenger numbers have not bounced back to their pre-COVID levels, which would have devasting impact on many communities. We are raising these issues with Government and are calling the Government to extend the funding.
Hearts for the Arts winners announced
The LGA is delighted to again host the award ceremony for the Hearts for the Arts on 7 March, virtually from 4-5pm. Baroness Young of Hornsey and actor Samuel West will host the event and present the awards. We’d like to extend our congratulations to North Lincolnshire Council, Mole Valley District Council and Surrey County Council, Westminster City Council, Zerritha Borwn of LB Brent, and Cllr Ffion Meleri Gwyn of Criccieth Council for winning their categories in this year’s celebration of local authority heroes who are championing arts and culture. You can read further information and their fantastic projects is available on the Hearts for the Arts website.
Call to councils: economic growth case studies
As part of the LGA’s support offer, we are looking for examples of economic growth good practice from councils, to share learning across the sector. These case studies can cover a wide range of areas including regeneration, support to SMEs and more. If you have examples of projects you would like to feature please complete the economic growth case study submission form on our website, or email productivity@local.gov.uk for more information.
Public Practice: Resourcing and Skills Survey
Public Practice, a social enterprise which finds, selects and places built environment professionals into council teams, wants to hear from council officers as part of their Local Authority Resourcing and Skills Survey. The survey is looking at the impact of skills gaps and under-resourcing in council teams focused on improving places, and they are particularly interested in hearing from officers working in regeneration, planning, transport, sustainability and digital, among other areas. You can respond to the survey until 4 March.
Local Net Zero Forum
Local government worked hard to ensure the Government’s Net Zero Strategy recognised the key role of local government, and we were pleased that there was a specific chapter on this and the proposals for a Local Net Zero Forum. We are continuing our engagement with BEIS on the development of the Forum and hope that details will be published soon, as it will be critical to developing the relationship between local and central government and building the capacity, capability and strategic funding and policy environment for achieving net zero by 2050. In the meantime, we are building our policy programme that takes the positive words of collaboration into real world delivery partnerships.
DEFRA Environment Act – FAQs
The Environment Act 2021 became law on 9 November 2021. Councils will play an important role in the delivery of 21 of the measures in the Act, many of these being in the “Nature" and “Waste and Resource Efficiency” chapters. DEFRA have developed an FAQ document providing a comprehensive set of questions and answers intended to give councils a strategic overview of the impact these measures will have on them. The document has been published in a secure DEFRA SharePoint folder to allow secure and easy access to this and future versions. To access the document, please email joe.wahla@defra.gov.uk. The LGA is also preparing our own explainer on this legislation which we will share in due course.
Responding to the climate emergency
The Forestry Commission has produced a new case study to guide Local Authorities through a 10-step journey towards net zero – supported by woodland creation. The case study features the City of York Council, Buckinghamshire Council, and Slough Borough Council – all at differing stages on the 10-step plan towards net zero and highlights helpful tips as well as signposting to the latest Nature for Climate Fund grant information.
Call to councils: economic growth case studies
As part of the LGA’s support offer, we are looking for examples of economic growth good practice from councils, to share learning across the sector. These case studies can cover a wide range of areas including regeneration, support to SMEs and more. If you have examples of projects you would like to feature please complete the economic growth case study submission form on our website, or email productivity@local.gov.uk for more information.
Public Practice: Resourcing and Skills Survey
Public Practice, a social enterprise which finds, selects and places built environment professionals into council teams, wants to hear from council officers as part of their Local Authority Resourcing and Skills Survey. The survey is looking at the impact of skills gaps and under-resourcing in council teams focused on improving places, and they are particularly interested in hearing from officers working in regeneration, planning, transport, sustainability and digital, among other areas. You can respond to the survey until 4 March.
Local Net Zero Forum
Local government worked hard to ensure the Government’s Net Zero Strategy recognised the key role of local government, and we were pleased that there was a specific chapter on this and the proposals for a Local Net Zero Forum. We are continuing our engagement with BEIS on the development of the Forum and hope that details will be published soon, as it will be critical to developing the relationship between local and central government and building the capacity, capability and strategic funding and policy environment for achieving net zero by 2050. In the meantime, we are building our policy programme that takes the positive words of collaboration into real world delivery partnerships.
DEFRA Environment Act – FAQs
The Environment Act 2021 became law on 9 November 2021. Councils will play an important role in the delivery of 21 of the measures in the Act, many of these being in the “Nature" and “Waste and Resource Efficiency” chapters. DEFRA have developed an FAQ document providing a comprehensive set of questions and answers intended to give councils a strategic overview of the impact these measures will have on them. The document has been published in a secure DEFRA SharePoint folder to allow secure and easy access to this and future versions. To access the document, please email joe.wahla@defra.gov.uk. The LGA is also preparing our own explainer on this legislation which we will share in due course.
Responding to the climate emergency
The Forestry Commission has produced a new case study to guide Local Authorities through a 10-step journey towards net zero – supported by woodland creation. The case study features the City of York Council, Buckinghamshire Council, and Slough Borough Council – all at differing stages on the 10-step plan towards net zero and highlights helpful tips as well as signposting to the latest Nature for Climate Fund grant information.
Tree felling guidance
The Forestry Commission has also published an Operations Note setting out how councils can best evidence the need for tree felling without a felling licence, and prevent allegations of alleged illegal tree felling. The guide includes information on purpose, context, Act of Parliament exception, evidencing exemptions, avoiding allegations of alleged illegal felling and sources of further advice.
Schools Business Rates
The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), which is within the Department for Education, has previously announced changes to the National Non Domestic Rates (NNDR) payment process from April 2022. The changes mean the ESFA will pay business rates directly to the billing authority on behalf of local authority maintained schools and academies.
This is an optional change for billing authorities in 2022 to 2023. ESFA are asking billing authorities to confirm through this short questionnaire if they intend to implement the new NNDR payment process from April 2022. As a reminder, billing authorities have until Monday 21 February to respond via the questionnaire, and authorities which do not respond by this date will be considered as continuing with the existing NNDR arrangements.
It is important to note that in two-tier areas, implementation of the new payment process can only go ahead where all billing authorities in the area agree to using the new payment process. This is to ensure that there is consistency for maintained schools and academies within each education authority. You can find further guidance and a Q&A to help with any queries. The ESFA will also provide further technical guidance for billing authorities at the end of February and we will keep you updated on this.
Energy Rebate
DLUHC has written to all billing authorities drawing to their attention to the council tax rebate regulations that have been passed by Parliament. The regulations specify that the words “The Government is providing a £150 one-off Energy Bills Rebate for most households in council tax bands A-D” should be included on council tax demand notices. They also specify that the energy rebate should be disregarded in council tax support schemes from 1 April 2022. We are pressing DLUHC to publish guidance and allocations for the energy rebate as soon as possible.
National Graduate Development Programme: Applications open
This year, the National Graduate Development Programme (NGDP) has attracted applications from over 4000 graduates keen to embark on a career in local government. The scheme is continually looking for new councils to sign up and take part. As a host authority, councils will offer a minimum of three placements over the course of a 2-year contract. In return, you can help develop the potential public sector managers of the future and unlock exciting new talent for your organisation. Participants on the programme undertake a full learning and development programme, through which they gain the ILM Level 7. It is easy and cost effective for councils to sign up, and if you want to find out more you can take a look at our NGDP page or email ngdp@local.gov.uk for a ‘no strings’ chat. To take part in the autumn intake, councils need to apply by 31 March 2022.
Council meetings: budget case studies
We are continuing to call on the Government to allow councils to use virtual and hybrid council meetings options. We are aware councils are working hard to conduct budget setting meetings and that the requirement to meet in-person may have made this more challenging. If you have had to change the way you conduct these meetings or have concerns about delivering them, please do let us know so we can continue to highlight these issues with Government. Please share your insights by 25 February to Tom.Denman@local.gov.uk.
Tree felling guidance
The Forestry Commission has also published an Operations Note setting out how councils can best evidence the need for tree felling without a felling licence, and prevent allegations of alleged illegal tree felling. The guide includes information on purpose, context, Act of Parliament exception, evidencing exemptions, avoiding allegations of alleged illegal felling and sources of further advice.
Schools Business Rates
The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), which is within the Department for Education, has previously announced changes to the National Non Domestic Rates (NNDR) payment process from April 2022. The changes mean the ESFA will pay business rates directly to the billing authority on behalf of local authority maintained schools and academies.
This is an optional change for billing authorities in 2022 to 2023. ESFA are asking billing authorities to confirm through this short questionnaire if they intend to implement the new NNDR payment process from April 2022. As a reminder, billing authorities have until Monday 21 February to respond via the questionnaire, and authorities which do not respond by this date will be considered as continuing with the existing NNDR arrangements.
It is important to note that in two-tier areas, implementation of the new payment process can only go ahead where all billing authorities in the area agree to using the new payment process. This is to ensure that there is consistency for maintained schools and academies within each education authority. You can find further guidance and a Q&A to help with any queries. The ESFA will also provide further technical guidance for billing authorities at the end of February and we will keep you updated on this.
Energy Rebate
DLUHC has written to all billing authorities drawing to their attention to the council tax rebate regulations that have been passed by Parliament. The regulations specify that the words “The Government is providing a £150 one-off Energy Bills Rebate for most households in council tax bands A-D” should be included on council tax demand notices. They also specify that the energy rebate should be disregarded in council tax support schemes from 1 April 2022. We are pressing DLUHC to publish guidance and allocations for the energy rebate as soon as possible.
National Graduate Development Programme: Applications open
This year, the National Graduate Development Programme (NGDP) has attracted applications from over 4000 graduates keen to embark on a career in local government. The scheme is continually looking for new councils to sign up and take part. As a host authority, councils will offer a minimum of three placements over the course of a 2-year contract. In return, you can help develop the potential public sector managers of the future and unlock exciting new talent for your organisation. Participants on the programme undertake a full learning and development programme, through which they gain the ILM Level 7. It is easy and cost effective for councils to sign up, and if you want to find out more you can take a look at our NGDP page or email ngdp@local.gov.uk for a ‘no strings’ chat. To take part in the autumn intake, councils need to apply by 31 March 2022.
Council meetings: budget case studies
We are continuing to call on the Government to allow councils to use virtual and hybrid council meetings options. We are aware councils are working hard to conduct budget setting meetings and that the requirement to meet in-person may have made this more challenging. If you have had to change the way you conduct these meetings or have concerns about delivering them, please do let us know so we can continue to highlight these issues with Government. Please share your insights by 25 February to Tom.Denman@local.gov.uk.
Events
Tuesday 22 February, 10am – 11.45am
This webinar will look at how behavioural change techniques can be used in council services to work with communities and change their behaviour. It will feature councils who have used behavioural change techniques to tackle the biggest challenges of our day – climate emergency and health inequalities. It will also look at how the LGA is taking a regional approach in supporting councils to run behaviour change projects to combat these challenges.
Wednesday 23 February, 10.30am – 12.00pm
Focusing on building and enhancing engagement with Government on climate change adaptation, this webinar, with members of Defra’s Environmental Strategy Directorate, will highlight development in policy implementation across the sectors and draw out where enhanced engagement between local and central government can accelerate implementation.
Wednesday 23 February 10am – 11.30am
The pressure on hospitals has never been greater than now – and stretched capacity in the care market is adding to the challenge. Join us to hear how other councils are using technology to make discharge smoother, safer, timely and as a key moment to bring care technology into people's lives when they might need extra help to recover and regain independence. Reablement services, care providers, NHS partners and voluntary sector all feature in this complex landscape – a real test for collaboration and partnership working.
Thursday 24 February, 9.50am – 10.45am
The Government and the LGA are hosting this webinar with lead Ministers responsible for the resettlement and relocation of Afghan families. Aimed at local political leadership and council chief executives, it will cover the vital role councils are playing in ensuring that current and future arrivals to the UK receive the support they need to rebuild their lives, find work, pursue education and integrate into their local communities.
Thursday 24 February, 2pm – 4pm
This webinar will explore how the response to Serious and Organised Crime has evolved since 2018, and how local areas are seeking to tackle this crime. There will be a focus on sharing local government best practice, in partnership with policing colleagues and PCCs.
Wednesday 9 March, 10am – 12pm, virtual roundtable
This event focuses on how councils can attract more visitors and deliver growth amidst the backdrop of recent international travel restrictions. Places are limited, so please register to secure you place now.
Tuesday 15 March, 10am – 2pm, Dorking
Mole Valley Life, in partnership with UKTelehealthcare and supported by NHS England, will be hosting the first in-person TECS event of 2022. This is a chance for telecare providers to engage with suppliers to discuss the opportunities represented by the switchover from analogue to digital transformation. NHS England will outline work being taken forward from the FarrPoint study on the awareness of the telecare sector for the switchover. This event will include an Innovation Zone featuring over thirty exhibitors from the UK, Europe and further afield, an All IP Zone and a Training and Education Zone.
Thursday 17 March, 10am – 11.30am
We are holding a webinar to set out the findings of LGA commissioned research into the challenges local authorities are facing from the growth of last-mile deliveries spurred by the pandemic and growth of online retail. The session will also be an opportunity to discuss potential policy interventions that councils already are or should consider using, and where central government help will be needed.
I hope this end of week update has been useful. As ever, please do stay in contact with your principal adviser and let us know if there is anything further that we can do to support your council.
Events
Tuesday 22 February, 10am – 11.45am
This webinar will look at how behavioural change techniques can be used in council services to work with communities and change their behaviour. It will feature councils who have used behavioural change techniques to tackle the biggest challenges of our day – climate emergency and health inequalities. It will also look at how the LGA is taking a regional approach in supporting councils to run behaviour change projects to combat these challenges.
Wednesday 23 February, 10.30am – 12.00pm
Focusing on building and enhancing engagement with Government on climate change adaptation, this webinar, with members of Defra’s Environmental Strategy Directorate, will highlight development in policy implementation across the sectors and draw out where enhanced engagement between local and central government can accelerate implementation.
Wednesday 23 February 10am – 11.30am
The pressure on hospitals has never been greater than now – and stretched capacity in the care market is adding to the challenge. Join us to hear how other councils are using technology to make discharge smoother, safer, timely and as a key moment to bring care technology into people's lives when they might need extra help to recover and regain independence. Reablement services, care providers, NHS partners and voluntary sector all feature in this complex landscape – a real test for collaboration and partnership working.
Thursday 24 February, 9.50am – 10.45am
The Government and the LGA are hosting this webinar with lead Ministers responsible for the resettlement and relocation of Afghan families. Aimed at local political leadership and council chief executives, it will cover the vital role councils are playing in ensuring that current and future arrivals to the UK receive the support they need to rebuild their lives, find work, pursue education and integrate into their local communities.
Thursday 24 February, 2pm – 4pm
This webinar will explore how the response to Serious and Organised Crime has evolved since 2018, and how local areas are seeking to tackle this crime. There will be a focus on sharing local government best practice, in partnership with policing colleagues and PCCs.
Wednesday 9 March, 10am – 12pm, virtual roundtable
This event focuses on how councils can attract more visitors and deliver growth amidst the backdrop of recent international travel restrictions. Places are limited, so please register to secure you place now.
Tuesday 15 March, 10am – 2pm, Dorking
Mole Valley Life, in partnership with UKTelehealthcare and supported by NHS England, will be hosting the first in-person TECS event of 2022. This is a chance for telecare providers to engage with suppliers to discuss the opportunities represented by the switchover from analogue to digital transformation. NHS England will outline work being taken forward from the FarrPoint study on the awareness of the telecare sector for the switchover. This event will include an Innovation Zone featuring over thirty exhibitors from the UK, Europe and further afield, an All IP Zone and a Training and Education Zone.
Thursday 17 March, 10am – 11.30am
We are holding a webinar to set out the findings of LGA commissioned research into the challenges local authorities are facing from the growth of last-mile deliveries spurred by the pandemic and growth of online retail. The session will also be an opportunity to discuss potential policy interventions that councils already are or should consider using, and where central government help will be needed.
I hope this end of week update has been useful. As ever, please do stay in contact with your principal adviser and let us know if there is anything further that we can do to support your council.
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Best wishes,
Sarah Pickup
Deputy Chief Executive
Local Government Association
@SJPickup
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