Mark Conrad
Ministers promise radical reform after child deaths review
Ministers have promised radical improvements to data sharing across children’s services after two critical reports this week identified problems that led to child deaths.
Councils urged to draw on crisis management skills
Scotland’s councils should draw on their COVID-19 experiences when handling the new challenges posed by service backlogs and rising inflation, the country’s spending watchdog has suggested.
Safeguarding fears raised over Homes for Ukraine scheme
Senior council officials want greater powers to safeguard Ukrainian refugees amid fears revised national guidance still leaves some people vulnerable.
'Serious breakdown' in senior relationships, report reveals
A scathing review of executive cultures at Thanet DC has concluded that relationships between senior figures have been dysfunctional – at huge cost to local taxpayers.
Radical changes needed in children's social care, review urges
Ministers face a ‘pivotal’ moment in children’s social care, with radical changes needed to stop tens of thousands more youngsters entering the system, an independent review has warned.
Social housing Bill 'imminent'
Housing minister Eddie Hughes this week insisted the Government would bring forward a social housing Bill ‘as quickly as possible’ as he apologised for delays.
Government dismisses union's payout view
New Government guidance attempting to limit special severance payments (SSPs) contradicts advice Whitehall received from senior council officials and may be ignored, insiders have warned.
Likely rent rises are ‘ticking time bomb’
Social housing rents could rise by up to 10% next April as tenants face a battle to survive the cost of living crisis.
Government crackdown on capital spending
Councils face fresh restraints on capital spending under Government plans to lessen borrowing risks.
Social landlord faces wide-ranging probe
The UK’s largest social landlord faces a wide-ranging investigation into its handling of residents’ complaints after a watchdog reported ‘severe maladministration’ in a high-profile case.
Auditors in levelling up warning
The Government’s levelling up plans could be undermined by Whitehall failure to monitor what works when investing in local areas, auditors have warned.
Hillier rages over 'chronic' lack of funding
A ‘chronic’ lack of funding for council services amid soaring demand means many communities face a ‘long slog’ out of the COVID-19 pandemic, MPs warned today.
Risk warning over council development firm
Councillors at Cambridgeshire CC have issued a major warning about a development firm part-owned by the authority.
Trust for children's services at Star Hobson council
Bradford City Council’s children’s services will be transferred to a not-for-profit trust following the tragic death of Star Hobson.
Transport key to post-COVID recovery
Improving transport links between towns and cities is key to the post-COVID recovery and could save the UK’s ailing high streets, local leaders argued yesterday.
Reasons for director's dismissal emerge
A former rising star at South Somerset DC was dismissed after allegedly using furloughed council staff to undertake work on her private vineyard, it has emerged.
Net-zero boost in White Paper
Next month’s levelling up White Paper will feature measures aimed at helping all areas deliver their net-zero targets, the Government has revealed.
Detailed improvement plan for North Kesteven
North Kesteven DC has proposed a detailed improvement plan – including sharing more senior management responsibilities - despite receiving a glowing peer review.
EXCLUSIVE: New core funding model mooted for LRFs
Whitehall officials are considering a rollout of core funding for local resilience forums (LRFs) as part of a revised national strategy to be published in March.
Scottish ministers defend Budget impact on councils
Scottish Government ministers have defended the impact of country’s Budget on councils amid warnings town halls face soaring costs.
