The importance of local government finance
LGA resources can help councillors ensure value for money.
Councils overspending on adult social care
Around 81 per cent of councils expect to overspend their adult social care budgets this year – up from 72 per cent last year, according to the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS).
Reducing inequalities in early education
Improving take-up of the early education entitlement among disadvantaged children is key to meeting the government target of 75 per cent of five-year-olds being ‘ready to learn’ by 2028.
Supported housing ‘could save millions’
Providing supported housing for older people and those with learning disabilities or mental health needs could lead to major savings for the public sector, the LGA has said.
Taking the lead
As we begin 2025, I want to reflect on a key event from the end of 2024 that will inform how we approach the next 12 months.
Cladding targets ‘may be missed’
The Government may miss its 2035 target for removing unsafe cladding from buildings because of slow progress, a report from the National Audit Office (NAO) has revealed.
‘Boost local growth by extending UKSPF’
Vital funding used to boost inclusive economic growth should be extended by a year to avoid a cliff edge in support for local projects, the LGA has urged.
Empowering local decision-makers
Let me take the opportunity in this first first magazine of 2025 to wish all LGA member councils a very happy new year.