Coming together at conference
Many of you will receive this edition of first as you are making final preparations for the LGA’s Annual Conference and Exhibition in Liverpool.
group leaders
Supporting those who need it most
The Spending Review marked a new phase for our Labour Government – focusing on investing in Britain’s future to ensure working people benefit from our stabilising, growing economy.
Social care left high and dry by SR25
This Spending Review was a missed opportunity to draw a line under the damage experienced by our public services; among other issues, it left social care teetering on the edge.
Delivering services in rural areas
The LGA has responded to the Government’s Spending Review, and further analysis is in progress.
The best start in life
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson’s welcome announcement of the first 300 new school-based nurseries responds to a manifesto commitment and a pressing need – ensuring children get the best start in life. This deeply resonates with local leaders.
The biggest power grab in decades
The Government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill will do little to get spades in the ground and increase England’s housing supply.
Core funding increase needed in SR
Local councils are at the forefront of transforming their places for the better.
Auto enrol children for free school meals
I was delighted to see that another Liberal Democrat-led council’s scheme helping more than 2,400 children receive a free school meal has been made permanent.
Importance of speaking as one voice
The local elections were a bruising and depressing night for the Conservative Group. One by one, we lost incredibly good, hard-working colleagues who lost through no fault of their own.
People need a healthy home and environment
With the Planning and Infrastructure Bill in its committee stage, we have to counter the myth that there is the economy or the environment.