Funding
Flood funding for councils may not be enough, watchdog finds
The Government is unable to prove councils have enough funding for flood defences, a spending watchdog has discovered.
Recovery plans key to levelling up
Government ambitions for levelling up depend on councils being given funds to fulfil local recovery plans, the All Party Parliamentary Group on devolution has been told.
Greater certainty is needed on social care reform
The Spending Review was a missed chance to provide adequate funding and a firm basis for the reforms the Government has committed to bring forward, says Dr Eleanor Roy.
SPENDING REVIEW: Live to fight another year
Local government has probably got just about enough from the chancellor to keep the show on the road, says Jonathan Werran. 'And possibly extend the road for the sake of kicking the familiar battered can that is social care funding down it...'
Investing in our future
Jenny Coles is president of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services Jenny Coles explains why early investment in children prevents harm and makes financial sense.
Time to stop what isn’t working
Before setting their budgets, councils must rethink themselves and the purpose they serve within their communities, argues Professor Donna Hall.
The value of districts working at the local level
Chief executive at Rossendale BC Neil Shaw outlines how the council has addressed the need to support local businesses and communities during the pandemic and has shown that ‘a really local approach works’.
‘Challenges’ remain despite Brexit funding
Concerns remain about the looming end of the Brexit transition period despite councils receiving £10m to aid preparations.
Government accused of 'political' COVID funding
Officers at Hampshire CC have accused the Government of awarding funding based on politics rather than financial need.
How to cut debt and fund our social care
A flat-rate health and social care levy to raise £17bn was a centrepiece of a new study last week. Michael Burton looks at the figures and reports from a webinar on the public finances with ex-chancellor Philip Hammond.
‘Forgotten city’ in plea for government aid
The leader of Hull City Council has written to Prime Minister Boris Johnson to plead for additional support amid rising COVID-19 cases.
Domestic abuse victim funding fails to meet demands
New funding to support victims of domestic abuse does not go far enough, campaigners have argued.
The coming weeks are critical for testing
Cllr George Duggins says the roll-out of lateral flow testing is welcome news – but to oversee it council staff need the right support and funding from Central Government.
No easy way out
The pandemic is just the latest in a long list of pressures that have pushed Croydon LBC to the edge and led to the publication of a Section 114 report last week, writes Dan Peters.
More Section 114 notices predicted next year
Local authorities are facing deep cuts to frontline services and Section 114 notices next year, the sector has warned.
Questions over Brexit preparation at ports
A call has been made to the Government to shift its focus from Dover to other ports as it prepares for a no-deal Brexit.
Striking a balance
There have been press mentions of possible eye-watering levels of potential fraud from COVID support schemes, says Adele Taylor. 'Sometimes good enough has to be balanced with recognising the value of getting that public pound to those most in need', she adds
HOUSING: You get what you give
Localis chief executive Jonathan Werran asks what the inability to deliver a multi-year finance settlement means for housing recovery.
Allocation of £3.6bn towns fund appears 'politically motivated,' says watchdog
The Government has been accused of 'political bias' when allocating funding from its £3.6bn Towns Fund by the public spending watchdog.
EXCLUSIVE: How are districts surviving the pandemic?
A recent report has revealed the relative impact of the pandemic on districts’ economic vulnerability and their ability to recover. Dan Peters talks to councils named in the research about the findings.
