Consultation
Extending audit deadline will 'distract finance teams'
Extending the deadline for publishing audited local authority accounts to the end of September for six years will ‘distract councils’ finance teams,’ the Government has been warned.
EXCLUSIVE: Councils warned to budget for 4% pay increase
Councils have been warned by local government employers to budget for pay rises of at least 4% this year, The MJ understands.
Newport reverses tax hike
The city council has bowed to public pressure to reduce a council tax increase for the coming year.
LGA warns of 'devastating' implications of borrowing crackdown
Government proposals to tackle risky borrowing by some councils could have ‘potentially devastating’ implications on the ability of many councils to deliver services, the Local Government Association (LGA) has warned.
New accountability body 'stops short' of Audit Commission reinvention
Plans for a body to oversee the accountability of local government stop just short of re-inventing the Audit Commission, according to experts.
Where does place-making fit into post-pandemic life?
Merton LBC has completed its widest-ever engagement programme on what a post-pandemic borough in south London looks like. Council leader Mark Allison and chief executive officer Hannah Doody explain.
Creating net-zero public engagement
Local Climate Engagement is a project to support local authorities or partnerships to plan, commission and deliver high quality public engagement in how best to reduce carbon emissions. Sarah Allan explains.
Trust matters
Claire Kober says that we 'battle the latest phase of a global pandemic, it matters that we have political messengers who are listened to, believed and respected – and whose words inspire action'.
EXCLUSIVE: New core funding model mooted for LRFs
Whitehall officials are considering a rollout of core funding for local resilience forums (LRFs) as part of a revised national strategy to be published in March.
Welsh Government to work with local authorities on council tax reform
The Welsh Government has pledged to work with local authorities in revamping council tax following a consultation to be launched next year.
Government launches MRP crackdown
Councils will be prevented from using capital receipts to replace minimum revenue provision (MRP) under plans to improve local government debt management, Whitehall officials have revealed.
Pincher defends planning reforms
The Government’s revised proposals for planning reforms will seek to make the system more accessible, transparent and predictable, housing minister Christopher Pincher told peers today.
Councils need to be brave on net-zero
Founder of Climate Emergency UK, Cllr Kevin Frea, says that, to meet net-zero targets, councils need to collaborate with their communities, including groups like Extinction Rebellion.
EXCLUSIVE: Councils brace themselves for local government exit pay cap
Councils are bracing themselves for the return of exit pay cap proposals as Whitehall officials draw up plans specific to the sector.
Hampshire hamstrung by social care cost pressures
Hampshire CC has revealed social care cost pressures are costing it more than double the value of government grant and the council tax precept.
Unison warns of strike action over pay
Trade union Unison has warned of future strike action unless local government employers improve their pay offer.
The people have spoken
Engaging with the public to gauge local priorities, Newham LBC’s first permanent Citizens’ Assembly saw members get to grips with the issues and offering practical recommendations and a good steer about what really matters. Heather Jameson reports.
EXCLUSIVE: Government rejects university hall quarantine idea
The Government has dismissed calls from the nine regional chief executives to allow international students from red-list countries (RLC) to quarantine in university halls.
Welsh Government looks at holiday home reforms
Holiday home owners in Wales could be charged the full amount of business rates amid claims people are being priced out of their local area.
Quarantine hotel consultation call
Council leaders have called for the Government to consult with local authorities before quarantine hotels are opened in their areas.
