Finance
Treasury to look at public health spending
Councils are facing increased scrutiny from central government over their use of public health funding.
'Greater flexibility' for audit fees floated
The Government has published proposals to create ‘greater flexibility’ in agreeing audit fees following the Redmond Review.
LGA calls for clarity on exit data request
The Local Government Association (LGA) was blindsided by the Government’s demands for data on exit payments, it has emerged, and it is now asking for clarity.
Councils wait on capitalisation directions
MPs have raised concerns after it emerged councils are still awaiting confirmation on emergency funding.
A legacy in London
John O’Brien is stepping down as chief executive of London Councils after 14 years. Heather Jameson steers one of the most understated people in London government round to talking about his achievements.
Departed chief had threatened tribunal
York City Council was facing a potentially costly employment tribunal over allegations of bullying from its former chief executive before her departure, an investigation has found.
Warnings of financial shock for care sector
Civil servants have warned of financial challenges ahead when the care home sector emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Council to review Greensill land sale
Cheshire West & Chester Council has halted the sale of land to Lex Greensill following controversy over his lobbying of government ministers.
Campaign launched to reverse centralisation
Local government must ‘turn the tide’ on 40 years in which its autonomy has been eroded, a new report has concluded.
Social care reform depends on market overhaul
Social care reform will ‘fail’ without addressing weaknesses in the provider market, a think-tank has warned.
Storm brewing over exit payment data demands
Government demands for details of senior staff pay-offs have been branded ‘particularly pernicious’ and unfairly aimed at local government.
A busy summer through to autumn of future funding consultations lies ahead
The outmoded system of local government financing means huge disparities between councils’ funding levels continue and the sector faces a real medium-term period of uncertainty that has been knocking on the door for years, says Tracy Bingham.
How to help statutory officers do their duties
Clare Hardy looks at how councils can involve statutory officers effectively in decision-making and help avoid the need to issue section 5 or section 114 reports.
Planners back districts to keep homes bonus
Planners have backed district councils to keep the lion’s share of New Homes Bonus (NHB) in response to a consultation on the funding pot’s future.
Tight timescales force grant rejection
A new garden village featuring more than 2,000 homes has been thrown into doubt after Rutland CC turned down £29.4m it had bid for successfully.
Labour council pressed to insource service
Neath Port Talbot CBC has been urged to bring its leisure services under direct control as it searches for a new operator.
SEND funding boost of £280m announced
Councils will receive £280m to create new school places for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Redcar receives £3.7m Government bailout
The Government has agreed to pay Redcar and Cleveland BC £3.7m in ‘exceptional financial support’ following last year’s ransomware attack.
£31m Hong Kong integration fund launched
Funding of £30.7m will be provided to councils to support new arrivals from Hong Kong.
Twice as nice
Councils know a bargain when they see one – or do they?
