Wales
Employers branded a 'disgrace' over pay delay
Council employers have been branded a ‘disgrace’ after they said they would not respond to a union pay claim until after the May 6 elections.
Calls to vaccinate election workers grow
Pressure is growing for key election workers to be prioritised in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout after the Government confirmed polls will take place in May.
Opinion split over election date
Concerned council chief executives have continued to express safety fears about holding elections in May despite regional returning officers telling ministers it can be done.
Fresh calls for standards code sanctions
Fresh calls for meaningful sanctions on badly behaving councillors were made this week after the Local Government Association (LGA) unanimously approved a model code of conduct.
Chief executive calls time on 40-year career
Colin Everett will leave Flintshire CC later this year, having joined the authority in 2007.
Uncertainty over rates rebate risk
More uncertainty has been heaped on councils after it emerged they could be hit by a £481m business rates rebate for the office sector.
Welsh councils' funding boosted by 3.8%
Welsh councils’ funding package of £6.3bn next year is ‘as good a settlement as I can offer,’ local government minister Julie James has said.
Welsh councils express ‘deep concern’ about city centres’ survival
Three Welsh authorities have called for financial support for city centres, warning: ‘If they fail, Wales fails.’
Revolution for Welsh local democracy
The Welsh Government’s Local Government and Elections Bill is not a technical and legalistic charter, says Welsh local government minister Julie James. Rather, it will ‘positively transform the experience of democratic engagement and empowerment’
Proportional votes to come to Wales
Proportional voting will be introduced to Welsh council elections for the first time as the franchise is extended to 16- and 17-year olds and foreigners.
Sunak's cash pledge to head off revolt
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has pledged extra cash in a bid to head off a revolt by a new northern group of Conservative MPs.
Northern Irish legal case could set precedent across UK
Northern Irish councils have suggested local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales could benefit after a ‘landmark’ legal case.
£260m funding boost for Welsh councils
Welsh ministers have announced a £260m funding boost for councils, bringing the total amount of government COVID-19 support to almost half a billion pounds.
Extra £40m to tackle homelessness
The Welsh Government has announced extra cash aimed to provide people with safe and secure homes.
EXCLUSIVE: LGA split over worker bonus
A cross-party agreement that the Local Government Association (LGA) would lobby for a coronavirus payment to staff was ditched after senior councillors blocked the move, The MJ can reveal.
Concerns raised over care home residents' human rights
The Equality and Human Rights Commission has been asked to look into the treatment of people in care homes during the coronavirus pandemic in Wales.
EXCLUSIVE: LGA bonus rejection 'slap in the face'
A top union official has branded English councils’ refusal to rally behind a campaign for a workers’ coronavirus bonus as a ‘slap in the face’.
Leisure providers at 'crisis point' - LGA
Leisure providers are at a ‘crisis point’ as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, English and Welsh councils have warned.
Welsh care workers to receive £500 bonus
All care workers in Wales will receive a £500 payment in recognition of their work during the COVID-19 pandemic, Welsh first minister Mark Drakeford has announced.
IFS: Council tax ripe for reform in Wales
Council tax in Wales is ‘ripe for reform’ with bills now based on property values from 17 years ago, a think-tank has said.
