Legal
Second phase of Grenfell inquiry not expected before 2020
Phase two of the Grenfell Tower inquiry hearings is unlikely to start before the end of next year, it has emerged.
VOA to appeal cash machines ruling
The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) wants to appeal to the Supreme Court after a judge ruled shop-based cash machines were exempt from separate business rates.
Court of Appeal Faraday Judgment: An amber light for unprocured development joint ventures
The Faraday judgment does not mean that councils cannot proceed with unprocured development schemes but it does mean that they should do so with robust legal justification, say Helen Randall and Kavita Roy of Trowers & Hamlins LLP
Northamptonshire recovery plan 'unachievable'
Leaders of the Labour opposition have expressed ‘serious fears’ that Northamptonshire CC will be unable to balance this year’s budget.
EXCLUSIVE: The Bucks stops here
Local government secretary James Brokenshire will only invite new unitary proposals in the case of another Northamptonshire CC-type collapse, The MJ understands.
Legal challenge to reorganisation remains an option
South Buckinghamshire DC’s leader has resisted pressure to drop the threat of a legal challenge to the Government’s decision to back a single county unitary.
Auditor: Powys failing to improve
Embattled Powys CC is still failing to improve performance standards, an annual audit report has found.
Councils left with supermarket bill worth millions
Councils will have to refund supermarkets millions of pounds in business rates following a ruling at the Appeal Court.
Council prosecuted over Legionella case
Tendring DC has confirmed it is being prosecuted for failing to manage the risk of Legionella at its leisure centre sites.
Ending the cycle of homelessness
Chief executive of Craven DC, Paul Shevlin, says councils need more funding and affordable housing to end the cycle of homelessness.
Core offer still leaves £33m deficit
East Sussex CC’s chief executive Becky Shaw has laid out a ‘core offer’ that could risk the council’s ‘ability to meet statutory guidance and deadlines’.
Council hits back at 'illegitimate' claim
Newham LBC has denied claims that decisions to enter into controversial high-interest loans were illegitimate.
Council to take legal action over cladding
Camden LBC will take legal action against the firms that refurbished flats fitted with dangerous cladding.
EXCLUSIVE: Chiefs warning to May if austerity not lifted
More councils face scaling back services to a minimum statutory offer if prime minister Theresa May reneges on her promise of ‘better times ahead,’ local authority chief executives have warned.
Council has settled more than 180 abuse claims
Nottinghamshire CC has settled more than 180 civil claims linked to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), with 20 more settlements still under discussion.
Leader threatens legal challenge over tunnel
Thurrock Council’s leader has threatened a judicial review of Highways England’s plan for a Lower Thames Crossing.
Council employee jailed for £100k Grenfell funds fraud
A Kensington and Chelsea LBC employee has been jailed for five and a half years after admitting fraud offences relating to the Grenfell fire
Leaders accuse Government of destroying 'social contract'
Senior Labour local government figures will launch a Councils Against Austerity campaign next week’s party conference.
Welfare support has 'collapsed' for many
One in six top-tier councils are not providing vital welfare services devolved to them just as the sector’s budget cuts hit hard.
Scottish councils will be more vulnerable to claims
New claims legislation likely to make defence more difficult for Scottish Local Authorities, warns Kate Donachie