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.
news
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.
Expansion of specialist SEND spaces
There will be more specialist, calm learning spaces in mainstream schools to support children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the Government announced last month.
New strategy ‘to end homelessness’
The UK Government has published its long-awaited National Plan to End Homelessness, setting out a long-term, cross-government strategy to make homelessness rare, brief and non-recurring in England.
Protections for workers ‘must be funded’
The cost to councils of implementing new employment reforms must be matched by new funding or public money could be diverted from vital local services, the LGA has warned.
LGA restructure ‘to empower local leadership’
As first was going to press, the LGA was launching a consultation with staff on restructuring the organisation.
Child poverty strategy published
The Government’s new UK-wide ‘Tackling Child Poverty’ strategy aims to lift more than half a million children out of poverty through measures including expanding childcare for families on Universal Credit, cost savings on baby formula, and ending the long-term placement of families in B&B accommodation.