Policy
Government back to drawing board on Fair Deal
Whitehall remains committed to introducing the Fair Deal policy into the local government pension scheme (LGPS) despite ditching draft regulations.
Labour outlines housing policy
Labour would scrap right to buy, and give councils new borrowing freedoms and central funding in a bid to kick-start house building, the party said today.
Windrush row could swing key council votes
Whitehall’s mistreatment of the Windrush generation could swing key council votes in areas with large immigrant populations, senior politicians have warned.
ADASS: Working age adults argument 'has been won'
Government has been convinced to address the entirety of the adult social care system as it prepares to publish a green paper this summer, an independent expert brought in by Whitehall has suggested.
ADASS: DToC focus has consequences
The focus on delayed transfers of care compromises a strategic approach, a Care Quality Commission (CQC) official has warned.
MHCLG refuses to publish Brexit analysis
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has refused to publish its analysis of the impact of Brexit.
PFM launches finance software in UK
Financial adviser PFM has announced the launch of its modelling and budgeting software, Whitebirch, in the UK.
Devolution warning for boroughs
London boroughs have been warned they have a ‘relatively brief window of opportunity’ to influence health and social care devolution to the capital.
Scrap 'outdated and regressive council tax,' says think-tank
Council tax is ‘outdated and regressive,’ and the Government should consider scrapping it in favour of a fairer system, according to a think-tank.
Five councils to help with Government integration plan
The Government will work with five local authorities to develop integration plans as it develops a national strategy for England, it has announced today.
Residents feel they can influence councils more than Westminster
UK residents feel they have more influence over local government than Westminster as Brexit nears, according to a new study.
Scottish Government accused of 'deflection tactics'
Councils have accused the Scottish Government of using ‘deflection tactics’ after a top minister urged them to get on board with childcare plans.
Auditor in 'unlawful' budget warning
Crisis-hit Northamptonshire CC was this week told to rip up its 2018/19 budget after auditors warned it could be unlawful.
STP to ACS to ACO
Diary is used to being kept on its toes by regular acronym changes in local government – but health is even worse for shifting abbreviations.
Council vows to improve 'volatile' relations
Maldon DC has vowed to improve ‘volatile’ relations between members and senior officers after a second peer challenge review identified concerns.
Burnham settles on £7 precept
Greater Manchester’s directly-elected mayor, Andy Burnham, will charge households an average of £7 to deliver his wide-ranging transport and housing plans for 2018/19.
Labour accuses Government of 'holding back' sector
Labour MPs have urged ministers to provide ‘strategic vision’ for local government.
New guidance after LEP criticism
Local enterprise partnerships (LEPs) have been handed a new best practice guide as the Government responds to widespread criticism that they lack democratic oversight and accountability.
Place-based policymaking post-Brexit
Professor Gerry Stoker argues that Britain’s challenge post-Brexit requires a new style of national policymaking that breaks with the traditional one-size-fits-all mindset.
Scottish government under pressure over council pay
Scotland’s Government is under pressure to reverse planned council budget cuts after MSPs warned ministers created an ‘expectation’ town hall staff would receive pay hikes.