Local Government Bulletin
25 January 2024
This is the regular bulletin the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) sends out, updating you on the latest government guidance, advice, communications products and important topics of interest for local government.
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Local government updates
Awaab’s Law: Consultation on timescales for repairs in the social rented sector
On 9 January, DLUHC launched a consultation proposing new strict time limits for social housing providers to address dangerous hazards such as damp and mould.
The consultation proposes new legal requirements for social landlords to investigate hazards within 14 days, start fixing within a further seven days, and make emergency repairs within 24 hours. Landlords who fail to take action can be taken to court where they may be ordered to pay compensation for tenants.
Landlords will also be expected to keep clear records to improve transparency for tenants – showing every attempt is made to comply with the new timescales.
The primary purpose of the consultation is to set those timeframes and seek views from the sector. The consultation closes on 5 March.
Protective Security for Mosques Scheme – closes next month
The Home Office has extended the application window for the Protective Security for Mosques Scheme until 18 February. Mosques and associated Muslim faith community centres throughout England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are eligible to apply.
The scheme provides a range of protective security measures, all of which are free of charge for successful applicants.
The Home Office is encouraging councils to promote the scheme to mosques and associated Muslim community centres in their local areas and networks.
Further information on the scheme and guidance on the application process is available on GOV.UK. An application can be made via the following link.
If you have any questions, please contact: psvc@homeoffice.gov.uk
Social housing sales data updated
DLUHC has today (25 January) updated live tables on social housing sales to reflect latest Right to Buy management information.
The tables provide statistics on the sales of social housing stock – whether owned by councils or private registered providers. The most common of these sales are by the Right to Buy (and preserved Right to Buy) scheme and there are separate tables for sales under that scheme.
Education and Skills Funding Agency update
Yesterday (24 January), the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) published the latest information and actions for councils, academies, schools, colleges and further education providers.
The actions for councils include a reminder that the Schools Commercial team is hosting two free webinars with a focus on DfE-approved cleaning and catering frameworks on 1 February.
Free procurement support is also available from the Department for Education and the upcoming roundtable events. Register to attend the events using this link.
Funding to help organisations improve energy efficiency – second part of scheme now open
On 7 December 2023, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport launched a £25.5 million funding package to help voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations in England improve their energy efficiency.
Eligible organisations will be able to apply for an independent energy assessment and capital grants to install energy efficiency measures.
The second part of the scheme opened on 18 January and organisations can apply through three grant rounds, the last of which will close in August 2024. All measures will need to be installed and paid for by March 2025, so all organisations, but particularly those with more complex projects, are encouraged to apply early to ensure sufficient time for the installation of measures.
Councils are encouraged to share this scheme with VCSE organisations in their area.
National Food and Drink Summit 2024 – reminder
The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has recently announced that registrations for the National Food and Drink Summit 2024 are now open.
The summit brings together food and drink businesses with industry experts for a day of masterclasses, networking and pitching opportunities. The annual event is tailored to small and medium food and drink businesses looking to grow their business.
Defra is encouraging councils to share details of this free event with food and drink businesses that might benefit from this opportunity.
The summit will be held from 10:00am- 4:30pm on 12 March in Nottingham. Tickets and further details about the day can be found here.
If you would like to share the event on social media platforms, please email foodanddrinkpromotion@defra.gov.uk to obtain social media content to promote the event.
Owners urged to take action ahead of XL Bully ban next week
The government is today (25 January) urging XL Bully dog owners to take action ahead of XL Bully ban that comes into effect next week.
From 1 February, anyone found in possession of one of these dogs, if it is not registered and does not adhere to outlined conditions, will face a criminal record and an unlimited fine.
In order to safely manage the existing population of these dogs, owners of XL Bully dogs have less than one week to register their dog, if they have not already done so. The registration system for the breed will close at 12:00 on 31 January and owners have until then to obtain their certificate.
If owners are unsure whether their dog could be classed as an XL Bully, they should check their dog carefully against government guidance and photo examples of XL Bully dogs to help them decide. If someone has a dog that is clearly another established breed, the ban does not apply.
Owners can access the most up to date information on what action they need to take and when on this dedicated page.
Councils are encouraged to share this information as appropriate.
Public health update
Eligible groups urged to get vaccinated against flu and COVID-19
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is reminding all those eligible that it’s not too late to book their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.
Eligible groups can book their vaccine by contacting their local GP surgery or pharmacy to make an appointment. Vaccinations against COVID-19 are being offered until 31 January, while flu vaccinations are available until 31 March.
Where to find the latest information and guidance
Ukraine
Coronavirus
EU transition
For information purposes, previous Local Government Bulletins are available to view and download. Please be aware that guidance is updated frequently. To view and download: https://bit.ly/3iC2Pnz
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