Minutes:
The Chairman invited the following Board Chair’s to present their written reports;
a. Children & Young People Board – Cllr Judith Blake CBE
Judith drew attention to Independent Review of Children’s Social Care and encouraged all authorities with the consultation. Judith also announced that she would be stepping down as Chair of the Children & Young People Board, thanking LGA officers and colleagues for their work and cooperation.
b. Community Wellbeing Board - Cllr Ian Hudspeth
Ian added that a range of specific concerns were being raised around Integrated Care Systems and coterminous boundaries.
c. Environment, Economy, Housing & Transport Board – Cllr David Renard
In his update Cllr David Renard (Chairman, Environment, Economy, Housing & Transport Board) noted the following;
- A Government consultation on future home standards was underway. The LGA was lobbying on specific funding for modernising and refitting homes to sustainable standards. Work continued on building standards and cladding.
- On planning reform a White Paper was expected in Autumn 2021.
- LGA webinars were planned on Social Housing White Paper and on invigorating high streets.
- Expressed concerns that if specific funding is discontinued councils won’t be able prevent increasing numbers presenting as homeless from rough sleeping.
- Greater emphasis will be placed on climate change work in the build up to COP26.
- David noted that he wrote to the DfT regarding the reduced 2021/22 highways maintenance settlement.
d. People & Places Board – Cllr Kevin Bentley
In his update Cllr Kevin Bentley (Chairman, People & Places Board) noted the following:
- Lobbying continued on improved digital services and skills training in often deprived rural and coastal areas.
- The Government announced the locations of the ten Freeports to be established.
- Evidence was published to the Evironment Audit Select Committee on green jobs.
- The pilot scheme for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund was announced in the Spring Budget. Lobbying from across the LGA for local government to administer the fund was successful.