Blog: 2 September 2022 - Helen McGrath, Head of Public Affairs

Welcome Back! 

I very much hope you managed to find some downtime during the summer and perhaps even got the opportunity to go away. Recharging the batteries is essential to well-being, not least because we could now be launched headlong into a very difficult period indeed.  
 
Whilst we await the announcement of our new Prime Minister on Monday, the rising costs of fuel, food and other essentials are combining with existing disadvantage and vulnerability within our communities to put many households at greater risk of both immediate hardship and reduced opportunity and wellbeing.
 
Helpfully, the LGA have launched a cost-of-living crisis hub which has been designed to share best practice and help councils support their residents. The LGA says that we need to strengthen and maintain a collaborative approach between national and local government and key partners in the private, public, and voluntary sector and are calling for three key things to happen:  

First, the setting up of a fair, accessible, and sufficient mainstream benefits system providing financial stability for those most vulnerable to the impact of the crisis. Second, for councils and local partners to have adequate, sustainable resources to provide targeted and effective crisis support and third, for councils to be given the freedom and flexibility to lead local approaches which build strong local economies in the longer term.  

There will no doubt be much to cover in this crisis as matters unfold and LLG will look to examine the issues as they arise.  

Turning to LLG matters, there are plenty of free training events for members in the form of our National Lead meetings throughout September including Junior Lawyers on the 15^th, Procurement on 22^nd and Planning on 29^th. We are also running an LLG Webinar on Nutrient Neutrality on the 14^th. Or why not take advantage of our 15% discount for members on our one day paid for training courses throughout September and October. Finally, we are delighted with the number of members booking for our LLG Governance Conference on 11^th November (in person) and 18^th November (virtually). There are a number of packages with reduced costs for Junior Lawyers so please do consider the advantages of meeting in person once again. It would be lovely to see you! 
 
Best wishes 

Helen McGrath 

Head of Public Affairs  

Helen@llg.org.uk