Policy
LGA shies away from reorganisation 'fight back'
The Local Government Association (LGA) has shied away from calls for it to launch a ‘fight back’ against reorganisation though senior members criticised any top-down approach.
'Councils crucial to meeting carbon target'
The UK’s target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 can only be reached with the contribution of councils, according to a new coalition.
Fresh reorganisation offensive leaves districts quaking
The County Councils’ Network (CCN) has launched a fresh offensive to rip up the local government map as the country emerges from the shadow of coronavirus.
Combined authority 'spending reserves like it's going out of fashion'
Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s chief executive has expressed doubts about whether his region would be able to cope with a second wave of coronavirus infections.
Council criticises shielding relaxation
Bradford City Council has warned that easing shielding restrictions in England for vulnerable and high-risk people could put lives at risk.
EXCLUSIVE: Lockdown relaxed despite warnings over PPE test
Local resilience forums (LRF) continue to warn the Government about personal protective equipment (PPE) as the coronavirus lockdown is relaxed.
Call to 'shore up' worst-hit local economies
The Government should ‘shore up’ the local economies worst affected by coronavirus before levelling up, the Centre for Progressive Policy (CPP) think-tank has said.
Zoom with a view
One of the silver linings of this pandemic has been the opportunity Zoom meetings have provided to get a glimpse inside people’s homes.
Government should create unitary system, think-tank urges
The Government should create a unitary system of local government based on functional economic areas, a think-tank has argued.
Number 10 puts mayors at the forefront of recovery
Mayors should be at the forefront of recovery from the pandemic, Number 10 has said.
Supreme Court blocks Whitehall pensions interference
Government attempts to prevent councils boycotting Israel through their pension schemes have been blocked by the Supreme Court.
Crisis should spark social care reform - report
The Government has been urged to use the coronavirus crisis to undertake long-term social care reform.
Councils urged to help struggling care providers
Care minister Helen Whately has urged local authorities to use government funding to help any providers who are struggling.
Core Cities call for 'bold' post-crisis vision
The coronavirus business support fund should be extended – potentially taking an equity stake in business which they could later buy back – in a bid to boost the economy, city leaders have said.
Outsourcers change coronavirus policy
Outsourcer Amey has U-turned to give full pay to workers off sick with coronavirus or those self-isolating during the current health emergency.
Tourist attraction firm expected to miss next council loan deadline
The company behind Brighton’s 450-foot tall seafront attraction is expected to miss its next loan payment to Brighton & Hove City Council.
Make payments to suppliers quickly, councils told
The Government has told the public sector to make payments to suppliers quickly to maintain cash flow and protect jobs amid the coronavirus crisis.
Budget 2020: New West Yorkshire mayor announced
A new directly-elected West Yorkshire mayor has been announced with the Government signing a new £1.8bn devolution deal amid plans to ‘level up’ the UK economy.
Union estimates 500,000 post-Brexit care staffing gap
The UK could face a social care staffing gap of almost 500,000 workers due to the Government’s new immigration policy, the union representing care workers has warned.
Right to Buy reform calls grow
Calls intensified this week for the Government to reform its ‘outdated’ Right to Buy (RtB) policy in next week’s Budget.
