Martin Ford
Councils lack reserves to deal with coronavirus crisis
More than 100 councils in England have no reserves to draw upon to cover the financial impact of COVID-19.
Government increases funding for child asylum seekers
The boost to rates to support care leavers has long been lobbied for by local government.
Dacorum chief executive announces retirement
Sally Marshall has announced her retirement after over 30 years of local government service.
Mayors press for local furlough powers
The mayors of Liverpool and Manchester have urged the Government to provide funds for ‘humanitarian assistance’ during local lockdowns as figures suggest COVID-19 is spreading.
Manchester poised to bring housing management in-house
A review of the city council’s housing company has proposed to insource the management of its stock
Cotswold to recruit chief executive
The council will create the new post following the retirement of head of paid service Nigel Adams.
Adult care coronavirus costs to reach £6.6bn by autumn
The majority of the extra financial pressure is being borne by local government, according to new research.
LGA asked to act on community cohesion
Council leaders have spoken of their concern about rising tensions within their communities.
Thurrock braced for coronavirus costs
Thurrock BC is expecting financial pressures next year to further increase, as it struggles to balance the books for 2020/21.
Ofsted 'mindful' of councils' coronavirus pressures
The watchdog has promised to be ‘extremely mindful’ of pressures faced by local authorities as it looks at resuming operations post-lockdown.
Council to sell Bristol Energy
Bristol City Council has given the go-ahead to put its loss-making energy company up for sale.
Northamptonshire unitary unveils top team
George Candler has been appointed interim chief executive by the West Northamptonshire Shadow Authority.
Somerset CC returns to unitary proposals
An attempt to restart local government reorganisation in Somerset has been given a frosty reception by district authorities.
Havering furloughs 260 workers
Havering LBC has furloughed 260 of its workers as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Call for investigation into ‘unlawful’ development approval
Local government secretary Robert Jenrick is facing demands for an investigation after his decision to grant planning permission to a major housing development was declared unlawful.
Councils defy Government lockdown easing
The public is being told to ‘stay at home’ in some areas of the country, despite the Government’s easing of lockdown rules nationally.
Two thirds of care homes untested for COVID-19
Just 15% of workers in care homes have been tested for coronavirus during the pandemic, according to new data.
£50m coronavirus high street fund unveiled
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has published guidance for the ‘Reopening High Streets Safely’ fund.
Coronavirus deaths yet to peak in 18 council areas
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has identified the local authorities that are yet to see a peak in the number of deaths due to COVID-19.
Council to furlough 300 staff
Chelmsford City Council is to furlough hundreds of culture and leisure services employees as coronavirus takes its toll on the authority’s finances
