APSE comment on the Kings Speech

Overall the King’s speech provides little comfort for beleaguered council services, which continue to face enormous pressure in dealing with the cost-of-living crisis, inflationary pressures on the cost of providing services and demand-side increases in adult and children’s care services, alongside housing and homelessness.

Commenting on the speech, Mo Baines, APSE Chief Executive said: “Whilst the Renter’s Reform Bill is welcome, providing better protection for renters through the removal of no-fault evictions, it is imperative that Government takes urgent action to ensure that the reforms happen at pace. Councils are carrying the burden of a weak enforcement framework and currently pick up the social and economic costs of homelessness.

“Martyn’s Law will also be welcomed by councils concerned by the need to keep communities safe whilst enjoying public venues. In recent years, councils have expanded their own venue use for income generation so it is imperative that, as both venue providers and guardians of the local community, the implementation of Martyn’s Law in protecting the public is measured and proportionate. APSE awaits the consultation outcome with interest.”

ENDS

• The Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) is a not-for-profit local government body working with over 300 councils throughout the UK. Promoting excellence in public services, APSE is the foremost specialist in local authority frontline services and operates one of the UK’s largest research programmes in local government policy and frontline service delivery matters.