Working together locally and nationally
For the first time in 15 years, Labour councillors from around the country came together at the Labour Local Government Conference under a Labour Government.
Retaining the ‘local’ in local government
As we continue to discuss devolution and the reorganisation of local government following the publication of the English Devolution White Paper, the one question councillors need to have on their minds is: how does this benefit my community?
Ensuring no child goes hungry
Central and local government need to work together to build a healthier and fairer society.
Solar on roofs, not farmland
As global unrest and increasing tariffs unfold, I am very concerned about the threat to our farmland from the drive to install outdated solar panels.
Local growth
National economic growth can only be achieved if every local economy is firing on all cylinders.
Funding for UAS children
The Home Office has ended key funding incentives for councils receiving unaccompanied asylum-seeking (UAS) children through the National Transfer Scheme.
Pathways to planning
Councils can sign up to hire planners to start work in September 2025, via the LGA’s ‘Pathways to Planning’ graduate scheme.
Additional funding for councils ‘falls short’
The UK Government has announced additional funding for councils in England, including towards the cost of increases in employers’ National lnsurance contributions – as called for by the LGA in December (see first 700).
Devolution ‘must not distract from funding’
Two-tier council areas will be forced to reorganise if they don’t come up with their own plans under proposals set out in the Government’s English Devolution White Paper.