Brexit
Extra care cash could be swallowed up by pay
Whatever Brexit deal occurs next March, the recruitment crisis in care and other parts of local government will get worse, says Michael Burton - and much of the extra Budget money will go on filling vacancies and paying higher wages
Tax experts dismiss local VAT call
Tax experts have dismissed the idea of local VAT despite calls from MPs and the London Finance Commission.
Councils need more clarity around Brexit
To provide effective help to local communities grappling with Brexit changes, councils will need Government to provide information, clarity and some recognition of the potential resource inherent in that task, says John O'Brien
EXCLUSIVE: No-deal Brexit disruption warning
Local authorities have been warned to prepare for up to three months of disruption in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
Budget 2018: Cash for care could be swallowed up by rates relief
Chancellor Phillip Hammond is expected to announce nearly a billion pounds for social care in an austerity-busting budget later today.
£30bn windfall for Hammond, think-tank suggests
A new think-tank forecast today has suggested a rosier view of the public finances than previous predictions as chancellor Philip Hammond prepares his Budget for Monday.
EXCLUSIVE: Ministry moves on Brexit
Senior Marsham Street officials have stepped up their preparations for Brexit after complaints from frustrated councils that they were being shut out of the process.
What are the options for the chancellor?
The clamour for more spending on public services coupled with the Prime Minister’s pledge to ‘end austerity’ gives the chancellor a severe headache in next week’s Budget if he is to also meet his fiscal targets. Michael Burton reports.
What sort of Brexit should councils be planning for?
Michael Burton tries to find a glimmer of light through the fog that is Brexit.
Mayors demand powers over £2.4bn Brexit fund
England's metro mayors have demanded control of £2.4bn pledged by the Government to replace EU funding post-Brexit.
Preston City Council has 'strong desire' for a referendum on Brexit deal
Preston City Council is to ask its interim chief executive to write to the city's MPs and the secretary of state for communities and local government Sajid Javid expressing 'strong desire' for a referendum on the final terms of a Brexit deal.
Act soon or we'll lose £1bn, LGA tells Government
Nearly £1bn earmarked for local investment will be lost if the Government does not act soon, the Local Government Association (LGA) has warned.
Sturgeon: Council Brexit role essential
The role of councils in preparing for the ‘extremely serious consequences for communities across Scotland’ of Brexit will be essential, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said.
pluggedin
Paul O'Brien ponders the new programme to tackle childhood obesity, and can't help wondering if any joined-up policy thinking is taking place on domestic matters while the shadow of Brexit looms large.
Domestic decisions
Positivity, pragmatism and long term thinking – the latest Tory conference has left local government with a lot to mull over, as Bob Neill describes
soapbox
‘Brexit means Brexit’ may be memorable, but not in the way Mrs May would like, says Ben Page. Her 2017 election campaign saw her lose a commanding lead and a majority. But sometimes she gets it right.
Concerns raised over new immigration policy
Senior social services managers have expressed concerns over the Conservative Party’s controversial immigration announcement, warning Theresa May’s post-Brexit policy must consider the skills councils need in lower-wage sectors
Let’s talk post-Brexit policy
Piali Das Gupta says the sector needs Government clarity on policies concerning the impact of Brexit on local government
‘Tis the season
As conference season takes shape, LGA chair Lord Porter looks at the critical issues currently facing local government he is hoping will take centre stage
Cut back on low-skilled staff says study
Last week’s official report to the Home Office on EU immigration recommended cutting back on low skill, lower paid workers which could devastate staffing in the social care sector. Michael Burton reports