Agenda item

Mark Lloyd, Chief Executive, introduced the report which set out the LGA’s main achievements against the Business Plan since the previous meeting in December 2018.

In particular he highlighted the recent successful Local Government Finance Conference 2019, discussions with the Government on the Local Government Finance Settlement and the Spending Review, work in response to the NHS Long Term Plan, as well as LGA responses to reports on Academy failures, and variation of spend by councils on children’s services. Members also noted the LGA’s work to highlight the rising number of families in temporary accommodation, responses to the Clean Air Strategy and the Resources and Waste Strategy, and the LGA’s own political leadership programmes.

In the discussion that followed the following points were raised by Members:

·         There was more which could be done on analysis of differential Children’s Services spending, such as asking authorities if they were required to have a Children’s Trust and undertaking a cost benefit analysis. The LGA should also look more at unmet needs around the lack of provision for children with SEND. Members noted that 71 per cent of children’s services spending was not in the hands of councils, and it was clear the SEND was creating growing pressures. The Health select committee was looking into cost benefit analysis and early intervention, and the LGA would continue to engage with this work.

·         More work could also be undertaken on the Government’s Clean Air Strategy to ensure that accurate information could be provided to councils and to businesses which would be impacted. A number of cities had been issued with clean air directives which could present serious economic challenges over the next few years, and more engagement with the Government was required.

·         Regarding permitted development, concern was raised that this applied to fracking as well as housing, which could cause potential environmental damage and was counter to the Government’s Clean Air and Energy Strategies.

Decision

The LGA Leadership Board noted the Chief Executive’s report for January 2019. 

Action

Comments from Members to be fed back to appropriate Boards working on these areas. (Mark Lloyd).