Cost of living
Autumn Statement: what lies behind the promises?
Despite a few helpful announcements from the chancellor in relation to cost of living and hospitality the reality is the overall outlook for Westminster residents remains difficult, says Cllr Adam Hug.
Fulfilling a crucial role for children
As directors of children’s services prepare to attend the National Children and Adult Services Conference, Ann McGauran assesses the challenges and rewards of this important role
Autumn Statement: end of Household Support Fund leaves gaping hole
The Household Support Fund is an essential safety net for families in crisis – removing it means there is nothing to break their fall, says chief executive of Barnardo's Lynn Perry MBE.
Autumn Statement: Living Wage hike places council budgets under pressure
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has confirmed the biggest-ever hike in the UK minimum wage – but the move places strained council finances under fresh pressure.
Let the citizens decide
Ross Mudie asks if the public hold the key to navigating economic challenges – and he highlights citizens’ jury research that says the chancellor should press ahead with rolling out fiscal devolution nationwide.
Getting Britain building homes
We need to devise a system which ensures housing is built and we can provide the right mix of homes to meet the unique needs of local communities, says Cllr Sam Chapman-Allen.
Keeping the faith
As local government battles with budgets and rising demand, Heather Jameson spoke to Leeds City Council chief executive Tom Riordan about what he wants to see from the next government.
'Slim pickings and missed opportunities'
Baroness Sharon Taylor reflects on the King's Speech, and says it's time to stop leaving councils to pick up the pieces on their own and give them the powers to take back control.
Call for 'urgent action on deepening housing crisis'
The council that increased new homes supply the most last year has urged the Government to take ‘urgent action’ on the ‘deepening housing crisis’.
Districts face unpalatable choices
The majority of district councils do not expect to be able to balance their budgets this year, says Cllr Elizabeth Dennis. But she believes it’s not too late for the Government to act.
DCN in cuts warning
Cultural services, community support and parks and green spaces are all at risk of cuts without a boost to the local government finance settlement, respondents to a District Councils’ Network (DCN) survey have warned.
How to unlock £19bn in benefits
As councils grapple with the cost of living crisis, Deven Ghelani explains how they can use data to help residents access benefits and ease the pressure.
Taking on leisure’s crisis
Shaun Dawson shares what he and his teams have learned from the challenge of launching the £30m Lee Valley Ice Centre in East London, including the need to embrace private sector involvement.
LGA warns Hunt over housing allowance rates
The Local Government Association (LGA) has warned chancellor Jeremy Hunt he will force more into homelessness unless he ends a three-year freeze on housing rental benefits.
Seven in 10 councils struggling amid cost of living crisis
Seven in 10 councils are struggling to support people hit by the cost of living crisis, according to new research published today.
Growth: the big issue
As we enter election season a national growth plan is needed now, delivered with and by places, says Ben Lucas. He sets out four key opportunities that could be catalysed through a new focus on local growth.
Working with residents to secure their economic future
James Hickson looks at what can be done locally to support communities through the cost of living crisis, and examines how to tackle the underlying structural drivers of economic insecurity.
Celebrating positive action on health
St Helens BC’s drive and adaptability in addressing feedback from the community made it a worthy winner at The MJ Awards, say Katherine Merrifield and Gwen Nightingale.
It is time for local government to call out unworkable pseudo-market systems
Writing on the RAAC debacle, Mo Baines says not so long ago the public estate was managed by local public servants with local knowledge, but there is now 'a dizzying number of providers'.
Stepping in early
Southwark LBC’s The Nest hub provides early mental health support for children and young people, with two-thirds of those receiving longer-term support saying they felt more confident, says Genette Laws.
