The right powers to the right places
Everyone in local government knows people are hungry for more power over their own lives and more control over the places they live.
Long-term funding kicked into the grass
Days before Christmas, the Government published its provisional local government finance settlement, setting out the details about local government spending in the coming financial year.
Lack of sustainable funding continues
While the local government finance settlement might pull some of our councils back from the brink, we shouldn’t kid ourselves that it puts us on a sustainable footing to meet the needs of our communities or our environment.
Support for vulnerable adolescents
Gaps in knowledge and a lack of strategic approach mean the Government cannot yet say whether its plans to spend a further £2 billion will address the needs of families, vulnerable adolescents and children in the most effective way.
Government ‘failing on promises’ on net zero
The Government’s commitment that the public sector should “lead by example” on the road to net zero is not being met, says a report from the Public Accounts Committee.
Autumn Statement: ‘better than feared’
More money for social care and schools, a 7 per cent cap on social housing rent rises, and new devolution deals in Cornwall, Suffolk, Norfolk and the North East were among the announcements in last month’s Autumn Statement.
Low take-up of broadband social tariffs
Households eligible for cheaper broadband deals are not taking up the offer over concerns about slow internet speeds, a survey by consumer group Which? has found.
End crisis of unaccompanied children in hotels, urges LGA
The LGA has called on the Government to end the crisis of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children being placed in hotels.
Housing standards letter sent to councils
All local authorities have been asked to review housing conditions in their area, following the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak as a result of mould in his family home.
Green jobs
Councils need a skilled workforce to deliver climate change commitments and sustainable local growth.