Grenfell Tower
We need the power
The Queen's Speech made it clear that Government has been listening to the LGA on some key issues, says James Jamieson - 'but we now need a long-term settlement that gives local government the powers, money and certainty to transform their areas'.
Queen's speech: Whitehall to ‘implement’ new building safety standards
The Government plans to ‘implement new building safety standards’ in order to prevent a repeat of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, according to the Queen’s speech.
Narrowing the outcomes gap in Kensington & Chelsea
Kensington & Chelsea RLBC has published a plan to create a successful economy and tackle the barriers preventing residents from fulfilling their potential, says Cllr Catherine Faulks
Second management overhaul for Grenfell council in two years
Further changes will be made to Kensington & Chelsea LBC’s management structure to ‘make it fit for 2020 and beyond’.
Criticism over pace of change at Grenfell council
‘Strategic weaknesses’ are preventing Kensington and Chelsea LBC from becoming a ‘high performing’ council, according to a panel.
Grenfell insurer makes £7m loss
The insurer for Kensington and Chelsea LBC has taken a £7m hit relating to the Grenfell Tower fire.
Last orders
Lord Gary Porter of Spalding, chairman of the Local Government Association, is getting ready to step down after his four-year term. Heather Jameson talks to him about his legacy – and the highs and lows of his time at the top.
Cost of cladding replacement fund could rise to £330m
The cost of removing and replacing unsafe cladding on privately owned high-rise buildings could rise to as much as £330m, it has emerged.
Much is still to be done on building safety
Lord Porter says the recent fire in Barking showed buildings under 18 metres have similar safety issues to higher blocks, and the Local Government Association looks forward to continuing to work with the Government to deliver much-needed reforms.
Dawes: Ministry could have done more responding to Grenfell
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s (MHCLG) top official has admitted the department ‘could have done more’ in response to the Grenfell Tower fire.
Civil service chief calls for more cross-Whitehall working
Whitehall chief Sir Mark Sedwill has called for more cross-boundary working among civil servants to tackle social issues like knife crime, troubled families and mental health.
A searchlight is shone on the shoddy treatment of leaseholders
Paul Wheeler says the 'whole sorry saga' of the removal of potentially lethal cladding has shone a long overdue searchlight on the appalling treatment of leaseholders by the major housebuilders.
MP accuses officers of 'racism or snobbery' towards Grenfell residents
The MP for Kensington has accused council officers of ‘racism or snobbery’ towards residents of Grenfell Tower.
MHCLG failure to recruit chief scientific adviser 'astounding'
An ongoing failure by Marsham Street to recruit a Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA) is ‘astounding,’ according to shadow science minister Chi Onwurah.
Progress amid the pain
In the aftermath of the Grenfell tower tragedy, progress at Kensington & Chelsea can only go as fast as the grief of the families involved, Dr Barry Quirk tells Heather Jameson
The gentrification problem
With the capital facing a complex list of housing challenges, the recent London Housing Conference brought the public and private sectors together to share perspectives and work towards solutions. How did they get on? Ann McGauran reports
Grenfell residents had human rights breached, watchdog finds
The residents of Grenfell Tower had their human rights breached by Kensington & Chelsea LBC before the fire started, a watchdog has found.
Porter: Grenfell is sector's biggest shame
The chairman of the Local Government Association (LGA) has expressed his regret at being unable to make enough of a difference after the Grenfell Tower fire.
Grenfell and Carillion prompt Freedom of Information call
A watchdog has called for an extension of the Freedom of Information Act to cover outsourcers and other providers of public services.
Act now to halt the housing crisis
Housing should be seen as a key plank of the natural infrastructure, says housing charity Shelter. Heather Jameson examines its report and expands on its recommendations