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Dear Colleague
This week, the Department for Education (DfE) published its Special Educational Need and Disabilities (SEND) and Alternative Provision (AP) Improvement Plan. The plan aims to provide better, fairer access to high-quality SEND support and sets out new national standards to outline what support will be provided, by who and with what funding. It also pledges 33 new special free schools across the country. There will be expanded training for staff, ranging from up to 5,000 early years special educational needs coordinators to 400 educational psychologists, covering a wide range of educational needs. The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education will develop an apprenticeship for teachers of sensory impairments.
Councils share the Government’s ambition of making sure every child with SEND gets the high-quality support. It is good the Government has set out new national standards which will clarify the support available, and the focus on early intervention will also ensure needs are met more effectively. While the measures announced will help to fix some of the problems with the current system, they do not go far enough in addressing the fundamental cost and demand issues that councils are facing. We are also concerned over the lack of any plan to give councils additional powers to lead SEND systems effectively.
Improving levels of mainstream inclusion will be crucial to the success of any reforms, reducing the reliance on costly special schools and other settings. Powers to intervene in schools not supporting children with SEND should be brought forward at the earliest opportunity, but should sit with councils, not the DfE.
Meanwhile, with just two months to go to the local elections we continue to outline the challenges councils face implementing changes to Voter ID for this May’s elections. LGA Chairman, Cllr James Jamieson was quoted in the Observer last weekend making the point that electoral administrators and returning officers need urgent clarity and detailed guidance to implement any changes to the electoral process without risking access to the vote. Vice-Chair of the LGA, Cllr Joe Harris also discussed the issue on BBC Radio Five Live (from 1hr13min) highlighting that local elections staff risk being overwhelmed with enquiries and voter authority certificate applications as a result of the new rules.
Finally, with just a month to go until the new financial year, the LGA, alongside other partners, including the Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH), NHS Confederation, the Faculty of Public Health (FPH) and the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH), have released a joint statement urging ministers to increase investment in public health and prevention. We have stated that the Government’s delay in publishing the Public Health Grant allocation for 2023/24 puts public health services at risk and adds unnecessary strain on an already pressured system. In addition to not knowing what the public health budget will look like for the coming year, we are highly concerned that a small increase or another flat cash settlement will exacerbate the delay.
My Vote My Voice Campaign
My Vote My Voice campaign resources for council elections in 2023 have just been launched. My Vote My Voice aims to encourage people with learning disabilities and autistic people to vote. The campaign is delivered by national disability charities United Response, Dimensions, Mencap and Ambitious about Autism. The campaign aims to get young people and adults who are either autistic or have a learning disability interested in politics to register and ultimately vote in the next General Election. It includes accessible resources for people with a learning disability and autistic people, including information about the new voter identification requirements being introduced at the 2023 council elections.
Right to Buy report
A report by Savill, the LGA commissioned with the Association of Retained Council Housing (ARCH), and the National Federation of ALMOs has found that England’s already stretched social housing stock is predicted to lose a further 57,000 homes available for social rental through the Right to Buy (RTB) scheme by the end of the decade as councils struggle to replace sold properties. It is estimated that 100,000 homes will likely be sold through the RTB scheme by 2030, with just 43,000 replaced as significant discounts leave councils without funding to replace the much-needed homes on a like-for-like basis.
Furthermore, the analysis warns that no region of the country or local authority will be capable of providing one-for-one replacements for homes sold under RTB over this period.
We are urging the Government to use the Spring Budget to allow councils to set discounts locally and retain 100 per cent of sales receipts to avoid such a loss of desperately needed social housing stock. Councils also need to be able to combine RTB receipts with government grant funding, such as the Affordable Homes Programme, and transfer funding from sales to ALMOs or housing companies to give them greater flexibility over how new council housing is delivered.
DLUHC planning consultations
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) published two consultations this week. One is a technical consultation, “Increasing planning fees and performance”, seeking views on both an increase in planning fees, and proposals to improve the capacity, capability and performance within local planning authorities; and the other “Permitted development rights: supporting temporary recreational campsites, renewable energy and film-making consultation”, which proposes a limited number of changes to permitted development rights.
The LGA will be preparing responses to both consultations, which close on 25 April. If you have any comments or evidence the LGA should refer to, please contact georgina.brightwell@local.gov.uk.
Homelessness
The Government has released two sets of statistics relating to homelessness: the results of the autumn rough sleeper snapshot and the quarterly statutory homelessness data. Both sets showed worrying trends of increasing homelessness, which, while alarming to some, were not surprising for homelessness services. The statistics showed a 26 per cent increase in rough sleeping nationally, with nearly 100,000 households in temporary accommodation, including 125,000 children. These numbers are stark and show that despite the new rough sleeping strategy, the number of rough sleepers is climbing. Meanwhile, households in temporary accommodation have reached an 18-year high.
Social housing managers
The Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, has announced that social housing managers must gain professional qualifications as part of a drive to improve housing standards. Managers across the sector will now be required to have an appropriate level housing management qualification, regulated by The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation, equivalent to a level four or five certificate or diploma in housing, or a foundation degree from the Chartered Institute of Housing.
Building Safety Regulator
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched its ‘Be ready’ building safety campaign on 27 February. The campaign aims to help and encourage everyone affected by changes to building safety law to:
- be ready – understand what is coming and how to prepare
- step up – take ownership and manage risks
- act now – comply with new law
The campaign’s first focus is on being ready for high-rise building registration, the first operational function of the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) to come into force under the Building Safety Act 2022. Owners of high rise residential buildings must register them with the Building Safety Regulator by 1 October 2023. You can sign-up to receive detailed information.
Infrastructure spending
County Councils Network published a report this week which raises concerns about infrastructure spending in county areas. The report argues that the Government’s forthcoming Infrastructure Levy, which is set to replace the existing developer contributions system, could be spent on a wider array of services with little left over for infrastructure if they are implemented.
Brownfield Land Release Fund (BLRF2) Round 2
The Brownfield Land Release Fund (BLRF2) Round 2 closes to applications at 23:59 on 31 March 2023. There is £60 million available in this round, with a total of £180 million of capital grant funding available to all English councils over a three-year period to support the release of council-owned brownfield land for housing. The BLRF2 is delivered by our One Public Estate programme – a joint initiative of the LGA, Cabinet Office and DLUHC.
Taxi licensing
The Secretary of State for Transport recently wrote to licensing authorities to inform them that the National Register of Licence Revocations, Refusals and Suspensions (NR3S) has been officially designated as the database to be used in compliance with the Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle (Safeguarding and Road Safety) Act 2022.
This is a welcome development. In 2018, the LGA funded and set up the NR3S to address the issue of taxi drivers losing a licence in one area but then applying for a licence in another without declaring their previous licensing history. Before the introduction of NR3, there was no central database of a driver’s history of revocations and refusals, and local authorities had to rely on applicants to self-disclose this information.
As a result, crucial intelligence could be missed, posing a potential risk to public safety. The Secretary of State intends to commence the requirement to use NR3S when making taxi/PHV licensing decisions on 27 April 2023. The LGA strongly encourages councils not already using the database to get the appropriate processes in place by this date. The Secretary of State has confirmed that the DfT will cover the cost of accessing NR3S.
Lambeth Kerbside Strategy
Lambeth Council launched its pioneering kerbside strategy recently, a strategy that aims to deliver the transition to electric vehicles, the uptake of wheeling and walking, building climate resilience through interventions such as Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems, to reduce floods or trees to provide shade reducing heat. The LGA has organised a free webinar on 30 March for councillors and officers to hear from Lambeth Council about its new strategy that aims to reclaim at least 25 per cent of this space from vehicle parking and introduce sustainability measures to fulfil climate, social and public health ambitions.
Leisure centres and energy costs
The Minister for Sport, Rt Hon Stuart Andrew MP attended the LGA Culture, Tourism and Sport Board on Monday to discuss leisure facilities' pressures. There was a commitment on all sides to ensuring the contribution of leisure facilities to health, well-being, education and water safety is recognised across government.
However, the Minister was clear that there was no possibility of making leisure centres eligible for the extra energy relief support announced in January. Instead, he focused on the importance of adopting innovative measures, like using computer servers to heat pools, and the need to decarbonise the estate – although he recognised that much of the estate needs replacing and cannot be adapted for energy-saving measures.
The Minister encouraged councils to keep their local MPs, and DLUHC informed of any challenges they face in keeping their facilities open. The LGA has developed a template letter which councils can customise for this purpose – please contact ian.leete@local.gov.uk if you would like to use this.
Leadership programmes on physical activity
Applications are open for places on the March and April leadership programmes for senior officers with the strategic responsibility for physical activity. These programmes support attendees to understand and apply system-based thinking to help tackle complex challenges such as health inequalities. There is no charge to attend. To find out more visit the LGA’s Sport and physical activity web page.
King’s Fund social care report
A report released by the Kings Fund think-tank this week highlighted further workforce pressures and increased demand for social care. According to the King’s Fund, the vacancy rate in the social care sector rose sharply from 7.0 per cent to 10.7 per cent, between 2020/21 and 2021/22, and vacancies rose from 110,000 to 165,000. In addition, the number of new requests for support increased from 1.92 million adults in 2020-21 to 1.98 million in 2021-22. In our response, we said councils and providers remain under enormous strain and need help in areas such as recruiting and retaining high-quality staff. We have consistently said that £13 billion is required for social care funding so that its many pressures can be addressed, and councils can deliver on their statutory duties.
COVID-19 Spring Booster Campaign
It is anticipated that the Spring 2023 COVID-19 Booster Campaign will commence on 3 April with vaccination in care homes with all other eligible cohorts to be vaccinated from 17 April. To ensure this happens NHS England is asking regions and systems to begin preparation for deployment. The draft System Letter has now been published.
Major Disasters Victims Support Panel
Survivors and the bereaved families of major disasters like the Manchester Arena bombing and the Grenfell Tower fire will receive new dedicated support in the future under plans announced by the Government.
An expert panel will represent families as a new Independent Public Advocate, ensuring that the voices of victims and their families are better heard right from the immediate aftermath of a tragedy until all inquiries and inquests have concluded.
The Independent Public Advocate will bring together a specialist panel of people appointed based on their relevant expertise and experience working with public authorities.
The trained advocates will provide practical support to families, the bereaved and those who have suffered life-changing injuries. In addition, the Independent Public Advocate will be responsible for producing a report once all investigations have been completed and make recommendations to the Government for improvements based on the experiences of survivors and the bereaved.
Jo Cox Civility Commission
The Jo Cox Foundation has launched a Civility Commission aiming to raise awareness of the issues of abuse, intimidation and harassment in public life and the detrimental impact these issues have on political life. The Commission will seek out possible solutions to the issue across all UK national and all levels of government and advocate for their adoption. The Commission will be co-chaired by Baroness Gabrielle Bertin and Lord Vernon Coaker. The Commission is looking for crowd-funding and donations to support the Commission.
Tree cover
Friends of the Earth published analysis of tree cover across England mapped by local authority and neighbourhood (defined by Lower Layer Super Output Areas). The findings reveal a significant gap in tree numbers between the wealthiest neighbourhoods and those with the highest levels of social deprivation.
Greenhouse Gas Accounting Suite of Tools
The Greenhouse Gas Accounting Tool has been developed by Local Partnerships, working with the LGA, to provide a straightforward and consistent approach for councils seeking to calculate their own carbon baseline. A Waste Emissions Calculator has been added to the tool recently that has been developed by Cambridgeshire County Council and UCL on the LGA Net Zero Innovation Programme. If you have any questions or suggestions for improvement in relation to the tool and/or the calculator, please contact ghgaccounting@localpartnerships.gov.uk.
Prostate Cancer UK Questionnaire
Prostate Cancer UK is working with Bladder Health UK, British Toilet Association, International Longevity Centre, Men’s Health Forum, Tackle Prostate Cancer and Truckers Toilets to understand what facilities are currently provided for incontinent men in toilets.
They want to hear from Council Senior Leaders in Facilities Management, Waste Management, Health and Safety, Operations, or Environmental roles about what facilities are available for incontinent men within your Borough. Help them compile a national picture by completing a short five-minute anonymous questionnaire [Male Incontinence Experience Survey Survey (tolunastart.com)]. For further information contact campaigns@prostatecanceruk.org.
Committee report on governance arrangements
The Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee has written to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up and Leaders of the Labour Party, SNP and Liberal Democrats to urge them to engage with its recommendations for a cross-party Commission on the governance arrangements for England. The Committee has also requested that the Levelling Up Secretary join them in a public evidence session before the Easter recess.
The Committee concluded in its report last October that the Government’s plans for devolution deals in its Levelling Up White Paper are not sufficient to address the concerns with the governance arrangements in England, highlighted in the report. Sir Richard Leese, then Chair of the City Regions Board, gave oral evidence on behalf of the LGA in February 2021.
Unaudited final accounts consultations
We have submitted a response to DLUHC’s consultation on the deadline for local authorities to publish their draft (unaudited) final accounts and open them to inspection from the public.
For the financial years 2020/21 and 2021/22 this deadline was extended to 31 July. For the 2022/23 financial year, the Government is proposing that the deadline be put back to 31 May.
The deadline was originally extended in response to the crisis in local audit and it is quite clear that the crisis is continuing so in our response we have argued that the deadline should instead be extended to 30 June. In addition, the deadline for the audited accounts has been extended by two months to 30 September for the next six years and this will impact on when audit work will be undertaken. The consultation ran for only two weeks and closed on 2 March; we also made the point to DLUHC that this is too short a time for a proper consultation.
PSAA’s 2022 client survey
2022 was another difficult year for local audit in England. Public Sector Audit Appointments (PSAA) recognises the importance of gathering and understanding bodies’ views on their audit experience over the last 12 months. They have again commissioned the LGA research team to design and administer the annual survey on their behalf. Last year’s survey results were used in discussions with the local audit system about the problems being faced.
PSAA regularly meet with stakeholders - including the FRC’s recently appointed Local Audit Director, DLUHC and the NAO - and they attend the Local Audit Liaison Committee. PSAA has retained last year’s shorter survey model that focuses on your experience of communications, the performance of your audit team, and audit resources and skills. It also includes some questions to inform discussions about the purpose of local audit. The LGA will be sending an individual survey to each Finance Director and Audit Committee Chair from Monday (6 March). PSAA appreciates you taking the time to feedback your views as these are an important part of their discussions with stakeholders.
Alternative Energy Funding schemes
Amanda Solloway MP, the Minister for Energy Consumers and Affordability in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) wrote to all local authority leaders on 1 March thanking them for their engagement to date with the department to launch both the £400 Energy Bill Support Scheme Alternative Funding (EBSS AF) and the £200 Alternative Fuel Payment Alternative Fund (AFP AF). The EBSS AF opened for applications on 27 February and will close on 31 May.
DESNZ wrote to all billing authorities on 25 February with the guidance and funding and data sharing agreements for the AFP AF scheme which is now due to launch on 6 March. DESNZ held a webinar for all councils on 2 March to provide further information on the scheme; the recording is available to watch on demand.
The minister in her letter thanks councils for their co-operation in delivering both schemes especially at such a busy time of the year and urges councils to make payments as soon as possible to eligible households.
We understand that most have now signed and returned the funding and data sharing agreements for the EBSS AF scheme and would encourage member authorities to return these and the separate agreements for the AFP AF scheme as quickly as possible. We continue to be in regular contact with DESNZ on both schemes and are engaging with them on the New Burdens exercises for both schemes, urging them to follow a robust methodology that takes account of all costs councils will incur in delivering the schemes including reconciliation and assurance.
Valuation Tribunal Service search function
The Valuation Tribunal Service has asked us to publicise the “Appeal and Decision Search” service on their website. This search engine provides details of all appeals registered with the Tribunal and those listed for hearing for the next three months for both council tax and non-domestic rating. It also provides decisions on decided appeals. In addition, councils can use the tool to identify the rateable value at stake for each billing authority.
National Careers Week
National Careers Week (6-11 March) is a chance to promote your council as a career destination to young people. There are many ways for young people to start their career in local government; from T Levels and apprenticeships, to graduate schemes and traineeships.
We have created a hub with Youth Employment UK to inspire young people considering a career in local government. The LGA early careers hub has guidance and resources to help promote your council to young people and post-16 providers.
Chief Finance Officer (CFO) Mentoring Scheme
The role of Chief Finance Officer (CFO) is one of the most challenging and highly scrutinised roles in local government. In association with the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), we have designed the pilot of our Chief Finance Officer (CFO) Mentoring Scheme to support the next generation of CFOs to develop the knowledge and skills they need to excel in the role. We are looking for people interested in becoming a mentor or a mentee, so please do get involved.
Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman Vacancy
As a reminder, the application deadline for the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) role is 11 pm on Sunday (5 March 2023). Further information about the LGSCO, the role of the Ombudsman and the skills and qualities needed can be found here. In addition, if you have further questions about any aspect of the role or the application process, contact PublicAppointments@levellingup.gov.uk.
Events
Levelling up locally inquiry launch (Hybrid event)
Tuesday 14 March 2023, 4pm – 6pm (Registration from 3.30pm), London
As leaders of people and place, councils have a material interest in the outcomes levelling up communities will bring, and this agenda can only be delivered if local leaders are properly engaged in its delivery. Over the past year the LGA has run a levelling up locally inquiry into how the Government’s levelling up agenda might better strengthen local communities.
Through five roundtable discussions, commissioned research and analysis of demographic trends, the inquiry has broadened the conversation around levelling up and looked beyond the Levelling Up White Paper to investigate the role of local leadership in shaping a recovery that works for all. This is a hybrid event and will be an opportunity to hear the key findings and recommendations of the inquiry as well as network with attendees.
LGA Behavioural Insights programme: tackling post pandemic challenges and the cost of living (Virtual)
Tuesday 14 March 2023, 11.15am – 1.00pm
This webinar explores how we can use behavioural change techniques in council services. For information on previous behavioural insights projects funded by the LGA visit our page. The event will feature councils that have used behavioural change techniques to tackle their key challenges like
supporting residents to reduce their energy consumption and increase take-up of home retrofitting measures. Councils will also share how they are using behaviour change techniques to support young people to access tools to improve their mental health. If you have any further questions, please contact BehaviouralInsights@local.gov.uk.
Roundtable - How do councils attract a new talent pool in economic development as well as retain staff in the sector? (Virtual)
Wednesday 15 March 2023, 2:00pm – 3:30pm
The LGA’s Improvement Team is hosting an Economic Growth roundtable which to explore how we attract new staff into economic development and retain staff in the sector. The roundtable will be hosted virtually, with up to 30 council officers with a responsibility for economic growth and development. This roundtable has been organised to reflect on the challenges and opportunities councils face across the country. Due to the limited places available for this event we ask that no more than one officer from each council attend.
Smith Square Debate - Climate Change: How to translate climate ambition into local action? (Hybrid event)
Thursday 16 March 2023, 5.00pm - 6.30pm, London
Councils are central to leading local climate action. They directly influence a third of local emissions and are critical to place-based adaptation across villages, towns, and cities. The Smith Square Debate big questions are:
• How well are we turning climate ambition into climate action in places?
• What must we do to accelerate climate action locally and nationally up to 2050?
• How can we maximise councils' full potential as community leaders?
Confirmed speakers: Lord Deben, Chairman, Climate Change Committee,
Terri Wills, Urban Strategy Leader, ARUP and former CEO of World Green Buildings Council.
Sustainability in council services - show and tell
Thursday 16 March 2023, 10:30am – 12:00pm
The LGA has commissioned the Zero Carbon Britain team at the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) to undertake an exciting project to develop draft route maps for councils across England to understand how to embed sustainability across some council service areas.
Through a series of workshops that brought together voices from across councils to contribute expertise in how service areas and operations work in reality, this webinar will explore what was discussed, provide space for feedback and questions as well as explaining what the next steps for the project are.
Digital Showcase Conference 2023: Spotlight on local government digitalisation outcomes
Tuesday 21 March 2023, 10.00am-4.45pm
This showcase will spotlight innovative work councils are undertaking to support digitalisation across our 12 strategic outcomes. We will also launch a new digitalisation almanac for local government which contains simple steps, practical examples and recommended reading to support those new to local government digitalisation and those looking to build on their existing knowledge.
Urban Summit (In-person)
Wednesday 22 March 2023 from 10.00am - 4.00pm, London
The Urban Summit presents an opportunity to bring together urban leaders, academics, think tanks and others interested in the future of England’s cities to discuss questions including: What do we need our cities to be and how do we get them there? The first part of the summit will showcase the progress of the Royal Society of Arts (RSA) UK Urban Futures Commission with an address from Andy Haldane, Chief Executive, RSA before offering attendees the opportunity to get involved in discussions, hear from speakers and shape the debate around the future of cities.
Discharge to Assess Support Pilots: Lessons Learned Webinar (Virtual)
Monday 27 March 2023, 11:30am – 1.00pm
This webinar, hosted by Local Government Association, Newton Europe and the Better Care Fund team, explores the discharge to assess support offer which has been rolled out across three pilot sites – Tower Hamlets, Newham and Waltham Forest (TNW), Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) and Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR).
The support offer was developed in partnership with Newton Europe and the LGA to help systems examine the local discharge processes and long-term outcomes for people leaving hospital, and plan and develop a sustainable Home First model.
We will be hearing from colleagues at TNW, BNSSG and LLR, to give their reflections on the process and how the insights and learning has informed improvement planning, as well as national colleagues who will be discussing the key themes that have emerged from across the pilot sites.
LGA Annual Conference and Exhibition 2023
Tuesday 4–Thursday 6 July 2023, Bournemouth
We will once again host the biggest event in the local government calendar, the LGA annual conference. After a very successful and well-attended event in Harrogate in 2022, the conference will be in Bournemouth this year.
A range of expert speakers will join us to discuss the latest issues affecting our communities, our inspiring Innovation Zone will be running again, and very many exhibitors will be in attendance. Please book early to secure your place at this must-attend event.
I hope this end of the week update is helpful. 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,
Mark Lloyd CBE
Chief Executive
Local Government Association
@MarkLloydLGA
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