Alarm raised over LGR delivery challenges
The LGA has warned that tight timescales and an “unprecedented scale of disaggregation” arising from local government reorganisation (LGR) “pose significant risks to statutory services”.
Local authorities ‘sidelined’ on fair pay for care staff
Councils are set to be sidelined in negotiations over fair pay for adult social care staff, with no guarantee that all their costs will be covered by government, the LGA has warned.
Most care councils rated ‘good’
Local authorities responsible for adult social care in England are “broadly performing well in the face of significant challenges”, according to a new report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
New unitary decisions announced
Unitary plans for a further 14 council areas in England were announced by the former Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary Steve Reed OBE MP in July.
‘Millions’ overspent on social care
Overspends by councils on adult social care remain high, at £715 million, with a growing number of people waiting for care and support, according to the latest annual survey from the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services.
Declining childhood outcomes
Findings from new reports indicate that child health and the education disadvantage gap are worsening.
Reed calls for double devolution
Power can be overcentralised locally as well as nationally, the former Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary told the LGA’s annual conference.
Creating ‘opportunities for growth’
Devolution “should encourage places with the freedom to shape their own future”, the LGA’s annual conference heard.
Reform UK would ‘unleash a skills revolution’
With a million young people not in education, employment or training, one of the greatest risks facing the country is “allowing young people to become disconnected from learning or working”.
‘Devo needs funding to work’
Councils need trust, genuine devolution and financial stability, according to the Liberal Democrat Local Government Spokesperson.