Music lessons under threat
Councils are calling on the Government to cover the cost of the teacher pay rise to include music teachers, warning that music lessons in schools could be under threat.
The Editorial Team
FOBT stakes reduction brought forward
A cut in the maximum stakes on fixed odds betting terminals (FOBTs) will be brought forward by six months, following extensive lobbying and media work by the LGA.
SEND support funding gap
Vital support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is facing a potential funding gap this year of more than half a billion pounds, according to the results of interim research commissioned by the LGA.
Councils and careers
Essex County Council is working in partnership with Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock councils, business and education partners to build a local skills offer that meets the needs of local employers and gives residents the tools they need to prosper.
LGA secures housing win with lifting of borrowing cap
The LGA secured a huge political win this month, when the Prime Minister announced the full lifting of the Housing Revenue Account Borrowing Cap at the Conservative Party Conference.
Capturing land value
Central and local government should be able to capture more of the increase in the value of land that occurs when planning permission is granted, to help pay for new local infrastructure and affordable housing.
Domestic abuse
The Home Affairs Committee has recommended making councils legally responsible for providing refuge for victims of domestic abuse, supported by ring-fenced government funding.
‘New money needed to fund social care’
The Government needs to make the case for national tax and/or social insurance increases to help address the adult social care funding gap, according to responses to the LGA’s green paper.
Sharing services
A spin-off of the Productivity Experts programme, the Shared Service Expert Programme can help connect your council with others wishing to start a new shared service.
#OurDay is your day
More than 30,000 tweets were posted during the annual 24-hour local government celebration of those who work or volunteer in local public services.