LGA
Figures expose shameful causes of children's care costs
The impact of poverty on council children’s services saw calls for action this week from MPs and councillors, as ministers moved to softened welfare reforms.
Anti-extremism commissioner warns of far-right surge
Far-right extremists now account for almost half of people referred to a national intervention programme.
We will all pay the price for not spending on care
Heather Jameson says the Government is tinkering on the edges of the welfare reforms in an effort to ease the pressure, but it is not enough. The cost of care is phenomenal – both in terms of the cash and the long-term damage.
Outdated taxi laws putting public at risk, councils warn
Whitehall has been urged to reform 'outdated and flawed' taxi laws by the Local Government Association (LGA) after the number of licensed drivers and vehicles hit a record high.
All roads lead to Xmas
Those of a Bah Humbug persuasion who annually moan about Christmas starting earlier and earlier should read no further.
Councils ‘set up to fail’ on SEND
A committee of MPs has acknowledged the Government’s proposal for a significant increase in high needs block funding next year - but say it will make little difference without ‘a systemic cultural shift’. Ann McGauran reports.
Moving up to the next level
Earlier this year, Suffolk CC’s peer challenge report said the time was right to drive leadership further, and ‘be bolder’. So how are leader Matthew Hicks and chief executive Nicola Beach faring? Ann McGauran reports
'If you want to see my achievements look around you'
It is the four political offices at the LGA who have ensured consistent political support and the effective ‘hidden wiring’ to identify the local talent among their councillors and provide the vital follow-up and mentoring, says Paul Wheeler.
One magic wish for change
The answers given by prospective strategic directors of resources and place to the question of what one law or change they would want the Government to make - and why - gave the interviewers at Stroud DC food for thought, says Kathy O'Leary.
Municipal Bonds Agency undergoes overhaul
An overhauled Municipal Bonds Agency (MBA) is to make a new pitch to the local government sector in a bid to launch its first bond - four years after its launch.
North Tyneside told to 'focus on strategy' to sustain services
A council has been warned that it must invest in digital technology to ease pressure on staff.
Devo paper to target 'structural reform'
Local Government leaders have urged ministers to consult them ahead of a White Paper on ‘structural and institutional reform’ of combined authorities.
Solace Summit: LGA to take climate emergency lead
The Local Government Association (LGA) is to assume a leading role in the sector on getting to grips with the challenge posed by climate change.
Close co-operation to aid our communities
As Solace's annual Summit gets underway in Birmingham this week, president Martin Swales urges local authorities to work with others on building their local economies.
Let’s back the tourist tax
Cllr Nickie Aiken argues that a modest levy on overnight visitor stays raised locally would go straight into services that help to boost tourism.
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'.
London trails East Midlands and South West in schools funding increases
The East Midlands and South West have emerged as the biggest winners from education budgets announced this week.
Councils urged to get behind The World's Big Sleep Out
Dame Louise Casey has called on councils to support a ‘unique, historical campaign’ to sustainably help around one million homeless and displaced people locally and globally.
B&B costs councils £93m a year, says LGA
Councils are spending over £93m a year on bed and breakfast accommodation, a figure which is nine times the amount in 2010 according to analysis by the Local Government Association.
‘Raise benefits to aid homeless’
Campaigners are urging ministers to increase housing-related benefits and to support social housebuilding following the publication of several reports and datasets in the run-up to World Homeless Day today.