Casual vacancies
Most, though not all, by-elections now being held are in councils that do not have contests scheduled for May.
Bus funding extended after council warnings
The Government has temporarily extended funding support for bus services after the LGA warned that thousands of local routes could be lost without it.
‘Urgent support’ needed for sport and leisure
A coalition of more than 200 bodies and individuals from the worlds of health, sport, recreation, and leisure – including the LGA – has written to the Prime Minister calling for urgent intervention and greater support for grassroots facilities and clubs, amid the ongoing energy crisis.
More funding for vulnerable households
Nearly £850 million is to be given to councils to support vulnerable households with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
£421m for drug and alcohol treatment services
The Government has announced £421 million of funding to support council-commissioned drug and alcohol treatment services for the next two years.
‘More’ damp and mould in private housing
More than half of private renters – including 1.6 million children – are living in excessively cold, damp or mouldy homes, according to Citizens Advice.
‘Crisis’ in preventative care for older people
The crisis in the NHS is “largely a crisis in older people’s preventative care”, according to a report from the charity Age UK.
Rising demand for mental health services
Millions of people with mental health needs are still not accessing services, with some facing lengthy waits for treatment, says a recent report from the National Audit Office.
Councils’ role in preventing radicalisation
A “broad and joined-up approach” is required to stop terrorism, the LGA has said, following a review of Prevent, a programme designed to stop people from being radicalised.
Funding for active travel
Councils can apply for a share of £200 million to help improve walking, wheeling and cycling in their areas.