LUHC Committee
Help councils unlock their true power
With LGA plans for a local government White Paper gathering pace, Lord Bichard reiterates the importance of councils being afforded a genuine partnership with central government – something he feels the next government must establish as a matter of priority.
Oflog should be handed audit oversight, MPs told
The Office for Local Government (Oflog) should be handed oversight of England’s broken audit regime – a role earmarked for the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) - accounting experts have told MPs.
Betts backs Homes England review
Parliament’s housing committee chair has backed calls to remove some responsibilities from Homes England so the agency can focus on affordable housebuilding and regeneration.
Local government: One sector ready for the challenge
While there’s still so much uncertainty around local government, it is positive to be thinking ahead to meaningful and lasting change, says Tracy Bingham.
Online sales tax not priority for London
London Councils has decided it will not prioritise an online sales tax (OST) as part of its lobbying effort.
Oflog independence row stems from broken relationships
The concerns over Oflog’s independence illustrate councils’ low level of faith in Government, which stems from Government’s evident low level of faith in local authorities, says Paul Marinko.
MPs question Oflog independence
MPs have questioned whether the Office for Local Government’s (Oflog) work can be ‘truly independent’ as it prepares to begin council visits this summer.
Sunak doesn't accept the council tax system is broken
Without the additional £17m a year Somerset Council could have generated through council tax the future looks very bleak indeed, says leader Bill Revans.
A call for prioritising local economic growth
In the case of councils in financial distress income-generation through a commitment to economic development must be explored, says Nigel Wilcock.
Reform council tax to level up
Henri Murison says the archaic council tax system has to change – and work should begin immediately on a revaluation of all properties in England before the General Election.
Audit 'backstops' could become permanent
‘Backstop’ dates designed to reset the local audit system could become a ‘permanent feature,’ the Government has admitted.
Local Government – no fat anymore
Only the 'bare bones' are left within local authorities and the property sector is already feeling the effects of underfunding such as reduced resources for planning, says Ian Fletcher.
MPs demand fundamental reform of council funding
The Government has been urged by a cross-party committee of MPs to address the ‘out-of-control financial crisis’ gripping councils.
MPs ‘disturbed’ by state of local audit
MPs have been left ‘disturbed’ by the state of the local government audit system, top officials have been told.
Oflog chair recruitment to begin
Recruitment of a permanent chair for the Office for Local Government (Oflog) will begin later this month.
MPs criticise ‘glacial’ progress of levelling up projects
Mandarins from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) faced the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
Care bosses ‘blindsided’ by foreign dependents ban
Social care bosses were ‘blindsided’ by ministers’ ban on international staff bringing dependents to the UK and fear an exodus from the sector, an expert has warned.
Minister denies 'passive' approach to voter registration
Local government minister Simon Hoare has denied the Government is taking a ‘passive role’ in voter registration.
The more things change
Funding and asylum policy are just two of the themes that have bookended an eventful year in local government. Martin Ford and Ann McGauran look at some of the big developments and talking points from the year as the sector braces for 2024.
Gove in 'crying wolf' claim
Local government secretary Michael Gove has claimed some people in the sector have ‘been crying wolf’ on finances.