Children’s services ‘ill-prepared’ for coronavirus
Local authority children’s services have been reduced to “crisis-driven fire-fighting” as a result of years of under-investment, children’s charities have warned.
Covid-19
New money for cycling and walking
A £250 million emergency ‘active travel fund’ will help encourage cycling and walking through new infrastructure such as pop-up bike lanes, protected space for cyclists, wider pavements, safer junctions and cycle and bus-only roads.
Paying for the pandemic
New LGA guidance raises key issues for those struggling to balance councils’ budgets laid waste by COVID-19.
A ‘green’ silver lining?
COVID-19 has forced councils to hold key meetings remotely – but there would be environmental and other benefits to continuing the practice.
First homes
A new scheme to help first-time buyers could reduce the supply of other affordable and social homes for rent.
Closing time
Councils have risen to the challenges facing the licensed sector during COVID-19, but greater local flexibilities would be better for businesses.
Public health partnerships
Council-provided public health services continue to improve and evolve to tackle health inequalities, according to the LGA’s latest annual report.
Digital eagles
Engaging staff and updating their IT skills has helped with the digital transformation of Salford City Council.
Plugging the information gap
With greater access to information than ever before, the problem we face increasingly is not a lack of information, but finding the ‘right’ information and avoiding misinformation.
A new virtual reality?
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed all our lives. Lockdowns, shutdowns and empty office buildings must surely raise a few questions about how we all operate and, indeed, how we may operate in the future.