Briefings and responses

We are calling for a cross-Government strategy for children and young people to ensure they are at the heart of the national recovery and can thrive, no matter where they are from or their background.

The LGA supports a local, employer-led approach to develop Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs). To enhance this, Mayoral Combined Authorities and local authorities should be core and strategic partners in the LSIP process. Their wide-ranging expertise on this agenda and local knowledge is missing from the Bill, and we hope this is redressed during its passage through Parliament.

It is vital that vulnerable children, who have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, are the focus of this programme of work. In their role as leaders of local education systems, councils can bring together partners, join up local efforts to promote education recovery.

It is vital that vulnerable children, who have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, are the focus of this programme of work.

Councils work hard to support children with a range of vulnerabilities, including those who are eligible for free school meals

Councils have been supporting all schools throughout the pandemic, including working to support vulnerable pupils and interpreting guidance to help ensure learning has continued as safely and effectively as possible .

The early years sector experienced challenges throughout the first national lockdown with more than 69,000 early years providers temporarily closing during the coronavirus pandemic.

In our Child-centred recovery report, we highlight how effective, high quality early years provision makes a difference to young children, helping to break the cycle of disadvantage, improving social mobility and offering them a good start in life. Early years providers have continued to support children throughout the COVID-19 crisis.

Councils’ public health grant has been reduced by over £700 million since 2015. This grant funds 0-19 services, as well as substance misuse, sexual health and weight management services, which all contribute to outcomes in the early years.

Through their public health functions, councils have responsibilities around tackling addiction and other public-harm issues. There is increasing evidence that social media can become addictive and harmful. We have also seen it used as an additional gambling platform, enticing young and vulnerable people without adequate safeguards for their protection.