LGA
Can the CMA make us see our market folly?
Kathy Evans outlines why the CMA’s investigation into the private provision of placements for looked-after children may ‘bring decisive insight to our care market folly’.
Queen's Speech: Levelling up takes centre stage
The Government’s levelling up agenda was at the forefront of today’s Queen’s Speech, but the role councils will play remains uncertain.
It’s time to secure the future of social care, says Lord Bob Kerslake
Lord Bob Kerslake hands on the presidency of the LGA to Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson in July. The social care system and its funding is an urgent priority that must be addressed now, he believes.
MJ Housing: Homing in on housing in Kingston
Kingston RLBC’s leader Caroline Kerr and chief executive Ian Thomas are united in their commitment to building new houses in the borough, including council homes. Ann McGauran reports.
I have a dream (about local government)
Greater powers, more devolution and a fundamental review of local finances have been promised to local government by the Prime Minister himself. John Tizard outlines the wide-ranging policy pledges featured in his recent dream.
Devolution evolution must continue in Cornwall
Cornwall needs more devolution in order to progress with laying the foundations for regions to power the UK’s carbon zero economy and to stimulate renewal, says Cllr Julian German.
Councils accused of 'grandstanding' on asylum
The immigration minister has told councils to ‘play their part’ in accommodating asylum seekers, accusing them of ‘simply passing motions and making declarations’.
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.
Inquiry launched into asylum accommodation
MPs are to investigate the use of sites such as former barracks to accommodate asylum seekers.
We need more frontline funding for local public health teams
It will be vital that Government provides greater frontline funding for local public health teams whose work will be essential if we are to build back successfully and better protect ourselves from future outbreaks, says Cllr James Jamieson.
Forging a top team in the middle of a crisis
Recruited during the pandemic, St Helens MBC’s new senior management have only physically met once. But they have created a high performing top team that’s now working hard on reset and recovery. Kath O’Dwyer highlights what has been achieved so far.
COVID passports have ‘significant implications’ for councils
Local authority leaders have called on the Government to work closely with councils on the COVID-19 status certification proposals because of the impact they will have on local enforcement and other areas.
HMJ: Place-based working is here to stay
Ewan King considers whether the Health and Care White Paper will really be the key to unleashing greater integration and collaboration between local government and the NHS.
Inequality matters
A conference has delved into the most crucial issues facing local government public health leaders and their communities a year on from the first lockdown. Ann McGauran reports.
Hancock launches 'dedicated, mission driven institution' to halt future pandemics
A new ‘dedicated, mission-driven’ institution to halt future pandemics will build on existing expertise and new capabilities developed during COVID, says the secretary of state for health and care.
Whitty defends decision to centralise initial pandemic response
A year on from the first lockdown England’s chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, has defended the Government’s decision to centralise the response at the start of the pandemic.
Change has no end game
If local government is to thrive in a post-pandemic world and be truly people-centred then investing in vital HR professionals is key, say Rebecca Davis and Manny Sandhu.
Charity criticises 'small' increase in public health funding
The Government has increased councils' public health grants by £45m for 2021-22.
Leaders voice fears over White Paper
Council leaders have expressed concern over the role local government will have under health and care White Paper proposals.
Councils in a jam shouldn’t have to scrape for funding crumbs
Heather Jameson lays out what ministers need to do if they 'really want to streamline local government, create efficiency and allow councils to reach their potential'.
