Councillors to receive pensions
All elected members who receive allowances in England will be able to join the Local Government Pension Scheme from 11 May.
Comparing retention rates
Labour’s gain of Durham’s Murton ward from Reform UK has naturally attracted attention, since it runs contrary to the general trend of Labour struggling to retain seats.
Local government ‘at its financially weakest’
The LGA has warned that growing cost and demand pressures continue to push councils in England to the financial brink.
Government announces SEND reforms
The Government has set out its plans to reform the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system, pledging a “radical expansion in rights” for children with SEND.
Tourism levy ‘important step in fiscal devolution’
Devolving the visitor levy to local areas will enable significant investment in the visitor economy, boosting local attractions and tourism businesses, says the LGA.
Social housing finances ‘improving’
The financial outlook for councils’ social housing budgets has improved compared with last year, but significant pressures remain that could limit housebuilding, an LGA survey has found.
Home-to-school transport costs set to soar
New analysis from the County Councils Network estimates that councils in England could be transporting more than 100,000 more young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to school by the end of the decade.