New agency to tackle future pandemic threats
A new UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has been launched to prevent and respond to external threats to the country’s health – such as from infectious diseases like COVID-19.
The Editorial Team
Right to Buy reforms ‘to increase new homes’
The Government has set out a series of reforms to the Right to Buy (RTB) scheme for tenants wishing to buy their council houses, after years of campaigning by the LGA.
‘Catch-up’ education programme needs rethink
Education inequalities and learning gaps have been exacerbated by the pandemic to such an extent that they are unlikely to be solved by a quick “catch-up” initiative, the LGA has warned.
Legal challenge on virtual council meetings
The LGA is supporting a legal challenge to a decision not to extend emergency legislation on virtual council meetings, calling it “extremely disappointing”.
Turbo-charging devolution
Local government’s response to COVID-19 has demonstrated that it does deliver and can be trusted. Now is the time for a new devolution settlement.
Fresh vision for early years
Seamless support and a ‘welcoming hub’ for families are among new proposals for ensuring babies and young children get the best possible start to life.
Short-termism ‘hampering’ adult social care
Short-term funding and the lack of a long-term vision for adult social care have hampered local authorities’ ability to innovate and plan for the future, according to a report by the National Audit Office.
Local approaches to health inequalities
Inequalities such as deprivation, low income and poor housing have always meant poorer health, reduced quality of life and early death for many people
Tonnes of recycling ‘rejected at sorting point’
More than half a million tonnes of household recycling was rejected at the point of sorting in 2019/20 because of non-recyclable materials being placed in household bins, the LGA has reported.