LGA
Fears of extra burdens from procurement proposals
New procurement rules could pile extra burdens onto councils, the Local Government Association (LGA) has privately warned.
Local public health proves its worth in a crisis
COVID has emphasised the importance of public health teams being part of local government, says Professor Maggie Rae. But councils need the resources to address the fallout from this pandemic and prepare for the next one.
Councils, COVID and better futures
More than 60 councils and individuals have contributed to One Story - a unique new book that captures the essence of public service, says Dawn Reeves.
Building citizen centred systems to deliver the best integrated care
Local government has the mechanisms and knowledge to ensure place, neighbourhoods and citizens are at the heart of integrated care systems which are responsive to local needs and accountable to communities, says Anja Beriro of Browne Jacobson.
The problem with polls
Local government has finally learned that two years’ worth of elections will take place on ‘Super Thursday’ 6 May, with a ‘high bar’ for any delay. Martin Ford talks to the sector about the challenges ahead.
Starting from the wrong place?
The first White Paper on NHS reform in nearly a decade confirms England will be covered by statutory integrated care systems. Ann McGauran canvasses local government sector experts on the contents.
Councils playing leading local role in vaccine rollout, says LGA
Sports stadiums, places of worship and even a former nightclub are among the venues secured by councils to help boost the COVID-19 vaccination rollout, says the Local Government Association.
White Paper plans to radically reform the NHS
Council leaders have warned that local government needs to be an equal partner in the design of any national oversight of social care as the Government publishes its White Paper plans to overhaul the NHS.
Election funds 'not enough'
Government funding for running elections under pandemic restrictions does not go far enough, the Local Government Association (LGA) has said.
Lib Dem council leaders urge chancellor to make UC uplift permanent
More than 30 Liberal Democrat council leaders and deputies have written to the Government calling for the £20 uplift in Universal Credit introduced last March to be made permanent.
MPs accuse government of lacking clear flood resilience targets
MPs have urged the Government to provide councils with the resources they need to protect vulnerable communities from flooding.
Finding more funding
A flurry of Government grants have been received by local authorities in the wake of the pandemic. While this has helped some councils stabilise finances, what longer-term approach is needed to balance budgets? Martin Ford reports.
LGA fears over government threats to slash grant
Local Government Association (LGA) staff have been warned to cut costs after the Government threatened to slash its top-slice grant.
Time to stand together in the drive for improvement
In truth, the Local Government Association needs to up its game on sector-led improvement, says Heather Jameson. 'It needs to give the ministers no doubt whatsoever that this is the best option to help councils stay out of the mire.'
Guidance to 'reduce burdens' in pandemic issued
Councils will be allowed to deprioritise some trading standards and health and safety work to focus on tackling the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit disruption.
Devolution requires ‘impetus from the top’
Prime ministerial backing is the key to making a success of devolution, MPs have heard.
Filling in the gaps
The Government has launched an independent inquiry into children’s social care in England, amid calls for a cross-Government commission into the impact of COVID-19 on the young. What do sector experts hope could be achieved? Ann McGauran reports.
Calling a halt to sinking standards
It is two years since the Committee for Standards in Public Life (CSPL) published its report, Local Government Ethical Standards. But the Government ‘has yet to respond or seemingly start work on implementing recommendations’, says Graeme McDonald.
Councils ‘in driving seat’ for UK Shared Prosperity Fund, says Jenrick
Councils will take a leading role in the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), local government secretary Robert Jenrick has said.
Vaccine communication for citizens: What role can councils play?
The vaccine rollout is possibly the biggest challenge many council communications professionals will be part of in their lifetime, says Karen Steel. She offers advice on how to approach it.
