LGA
Levelling up: extreme measures
Dan Peters looks at the list of performance indicators chosen by Government for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and asks just how well is it performing so far.
LGA plea for funding certainty
A call for more certainty over future finances for the sector has been made by the Local Government Association (LGA).
Tax reforms offer solutions to finance flaws - report
Changes to the current system could resolve issues around sufficiency and unfairness, and support local economies, according to new research commissioned by the Local Government Association.
Fund planners to solve housing crisis - Lords
Peers have said council planning departments must be better resourced to prevent an ‘emerging crisis’.
Omicron wave hits council services
Staff shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are taking their toll on council services around the country.
Royal recognition for LGA
Senior figures from the Local Government Association (LGA) have received awards in the Queen’s New Year Honours.
Care chief asks if hospitality staff could help tackle social care crisis
A former president of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) has asked if the COVID-hit hospitality sector could release staff to tackle the crisis in social care.
Tackling skills and supply deficits
More than half of councils are reporting disruption to their services due to not having the right staff. Ian Thompson looks at how local government can deal with skills and supply deficits.
Local audit’s perfect storm
The chair of the Public Accounts Committee has suggested the volume of late audits means Whitehall is ‘flying blind’ on council finances. Will the situation improve any time soon and how concerned is the sector? Naomi Larsson reports.
Empowering engagement: The future of Council Tax collection post-pandemic
Stephen Johnson looks at some steps councils can take to help build a next-generation service to effectively collect revenue and recover debt, whilst supporting wellbeing.
LGA concerns over devolution approach
Senior figures from the Local Government Association (LGA) have raised concerns about Westminster’s approach to devolution.
Social care White Paper ‘set up to fail’
The local government sector has praised the ambition of the long-awaited adult social care reform White Paper, but warned it will not succeed without funding to meet current demand.
Halting a rise in hatred
What can be done to deter incidents of abuse and harassment of local politicians, and to sanction those responsible? Ann McGauran reports.
Reasons to be cheerful
The MJ and Penna’s annual survey of council chief executives reveals resilience and the ability to adapt have become reasons for the sector to celebrate, yet respect and recognition outside the sector is still lacking. Heather Jameson reports.
Searching for council superstars
The Local Government Association’s prestigious annual competition putting the sector’s top talent to the test – The Local Government Challenge – is set to return in 2022. Michael Barrett and Virginia Ponton set the scene.
Youth justice needs a redesign
A shocking television exposure of aggressive staff behaviour towards children at the Medway Secure Training Centre should have been a watershed moment, but five years on this is still not the case, says Charlotte Ramsden.
Slough goes back to basics for financial health
There are no quick fixes to Slough’s financial problems, but the council is committed to achieving the improvements residents have every right to expect, says Steve Mair.
We will continue to help councils reach their climate action goals
Local Government Association chair Cllr James Jamieson says: 'We were pleased the final text of the Glasgow Agreement recognised the urgent need for multi-level and co-operative action and the important role of local and regional governments.'
Council leaders warn HGV driver shortage could hit gritting services
Local authority leaders have warned that the HGV driver shortage might hit gritting services this winter.
LGA members accuse CIPFA of 'mission overreach'
Proposed changes to finance rules have provoked anger from the Local Government Association (LGA).
