Crime
Herts CC fended off 16,000 cyber attacks
Hackers targeted Hertfordshire CC almost 200 times per day on average over a three-month period.
Javid: Devolution crucial in levelling up
Former local government secretary Sajid Javid has stressed the importance of devolution in the drive towards levelling up the country.
Problematic predictions
Paul Wheeler looks at how the Super Thursday electoral feast is shaping up. He highlights the key trends that are marking these ‘postal vote elections’.
Preventing young offenders signing up for a life sentence
Steve Ainsworth explores alternative ways to engage young people and help them turn their back on crime.
The risks of Sunak’s freeports
The freeports policy is poised to be a main plank of the levelling up agenda. But there are concerns they could become hotspots for organised crime – risks that could lead to significant extra burdens for councils. Paul Marinko reports.
Figures show rise in sexual and criminal exploitation under lockdown
Criminal and sexual exploitation has risen ‘dramatically’ during the pandemic, new data has warned today.
Limited government intervention is good outcome, says Liverpool chief
A limited intervention at Liverpool City Council – rather than the full takeover that was expected – is a good outcome for the city, chief executive Tony Reeves has told The MJ.
Grant fraud to soar
Grant fraud is expected to soar because of the amount of COVID-19 funding channelled through local government, according to the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA).
Criminals publish stolen council data online
Data stolen from Hackney LBC in a cyber attack has been published online by the criminals responsible.
Liverpool mayor agrees not to stand again after arrest
Liverpool City Council’s mayor Joe Anderson has reluctantly agreed not to stand again for the role after Merseyside Police extended his bail to mid-February.
Liverpool to undergo best value inspection
Liverpool City Council will undergo an inspection of whether it is complying with its best value duty after the arrest of its mayor.
EXCLUSIVE: Whitehall warning over ransomware threat
Council chief executives have been warned there is an ‘urgent need’ to take steps to mitigate the threat of a ransomware attack on the sector.
New enforcement powers expected next week
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham expects the political process to be wrapped up soon after Parliament reconvenes.
Police make first Grenfell arrest
Detectives investigating the fire have arrested a man on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.
Bracing for the ASB challenge
Rebecca Bryant says the rise in anti-social behaviour since the start of COVID-19 restrictions must be addressed – but the tools to tackle it head-on ‘are available at our fingertips’.
Operation Sheridan four released under investigation
Four sector figures arrested three years ago have been released under investigation following a review.
Councils to receive cyber probe
One in 10 councils will be offered ‘penetration testing’ of their cyber security arrangements to ‘identify and potentially remediate’ vulnerabilities.
EXCLUSIVE: Police refuse to reveal sector probe costs
Police have refused to publish the costs of an investigation into four sector figures who remain on bail three years after they were arrested.
Government warns queues could be new terror target
Queue-filled high streets could be a new target for marauding terrorists using a vehicle as a weapon, the Government has warned.
EXCLUSIVE: Spooks in cyber threat warning
Chief executives have been warned of an increased cyber threat to councils as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
