LGA
Unintended consequences of tax hikes
Heather Jameson says: 'Something that may appear straightforward – raising taxes to pay for care and capping the cost for the consumer – is fraught with unintended consequences.'
Government fails to consult DPHs on winter plan
Public health directors have hit out at a lack of engagement by the government in developing its autumn/winter COVID-19 plan.
Let’s see some fair play
A new report makes the case for a radical new approach to secure their future of local sports and leisure services, including a call for longer-term investment, say Paul O’Brien, Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson and Debbie Kaye.
The time for team spirit is now
Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson says there has never been a more important time to work together to protect the future of community-based sport and leisure services.
Government needs to better clarify the responsibility of councils in net-zero
A report from the County Councils' Network finds that a city-centric focus to climate funding and policies has been to the detriment of counties, says Nicola Beach.
Building on new-found respect
Solace has been working hard behind the scenes to extend its reach across Government and offer unique perspectives on how policies join up in a place and work on the ground, says Joanne Roney.
LGA backs rates revaluation reforms
The Local Government Association has backed more frequent business rates revaluations in its response to a Whitehall consultation.
More help for Afghan refugees ‘urgently required’
The Government has asked councils to provide more support for Afghan people fleeing violence at home.
Calls for more funding as child abuse increases
Incidents involving death or serious harm to a child have risen in the past year, leading to calls for further funding.
Councils ‘stand ready’ to support refugees
Local authorities have pledged to provide support to thousands of people fleeing Afghanistan
Top MHCLG man to speak at Future Forum
The top official at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is to be a keynote speaker at The MJ’s Future Forum next month.
Why choice is crucial
Baroness Claire Fox worries that making COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for those working in a Care Quality Commission-registered care home in England is illiberal.
Councils urged to prepare digital skills pipeline
Councils should prepare for a surge in the digital skills sector, according to new research by the Local Government Association (LGA).
Ministers refuse to reveal bid funds to be binned
Ministers have dodged naming specific funds they will remove the competitive element from after local government secretary Robert Jenrick promised to reduce the bidding culture.
The value of putting local welfare cash provision first
Gareth Evans looks at the evidence around cash first approaches to local welfare provision and asks if it delivers better outcomes for beneficiaries and greater ‘bang for scarce council bucks’.
We need the tools to make land owners and developers build
The Government should bring forward the Planning Bill in draft form so it is subject to pre-legislative scrutiny, according to chair of the Local Government Association Cllr James Jamieson.
It’s not all about the money
It is dangerous if we let the discussion about the reform of social care become exclusively about funding, says Dr Jonathan Carr-West.
Is Boris in a jam on devo?
Boris Johnson’s levelling up speech was designed to kick-start devolution, quash the critics and calm the blue wall. Heather Jameson asks, did it succeed?
Who will crack care?
The Government must raise enough funding to end the unsatisfactory adult social care system and ensure a skilled workforce is both attracted and retained, writes Sir Bob Neill.
The challenges for public leaders have only just begun
The Public Leaders Report 2021 captures what it was like to lead during a tough year and includes candid insights from 20 chief executives, say Pat Ritchie and Stephen Crookbain.
