‘1 in 3 councils will need emergency bailout’ – LGA
The LGA called for a significant increase in resources for councils in the final local government finance settlement in England, which was expected to be published as first was going to press.
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Councils ‘could face insolvency’ over SEND deficits
As first was going to press, an announcement was expected on how ministers plan to deal with councils’ mounting deficits in respect of costs for supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in England.
Closing the ‘holiday experience’ gap
Giving children from low-income households access to similar opportunities to their peers during school holidays improves children’s health and wellbeing, promotes healthy eating, boosts school attendance, and improves inclusivity for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Call to ban unethical ‘patient brokering’
The LGA and campaigners are calling for new legislation to tackle the exploitation of vulnerable people through ‘patient brokering’ in England’s drug and alcohol addiction treatment sector.
Council voice ‘must be heard’ on planning reforms
It is crucial that councils’ views are fully considered in a consultation on “significant” changes to the planning system in England, the LGA has said.
Finance settlements published in England and Wales
Budget-setting will remain a “hugely challenging task” for many councils in England, despite confirmation of a multi-year financial settlement before Christmas, the LGA has warned.
Honouring the sector
A swathe of councillors and officers were recognised for their services to local government in the King’s New Year Honours, underlining the sector’s key contribution to national life.
More free support for care leavers
Care leavers in England will receive free prescriptions, as well as dental and eye care, up to their 25th birthday, under a new package of measures announced by the Government.
Three-year public health grant confirmed
Councils in England will receive £13.45 billion over the next three years for local public health services, the Government confirmed last month..
Social care priorities ‘need investment’
The Government has written to councils setting out its three priorities for adult social care for local authorities, alongside its ambition to establish a national care service.