William Eichler
LGA boosts finance help
Local authority leaders have laid out a raft of changes aimed at helping councils become more financially sustainable and resilient in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tory council criticised over shopping centre purchase
A Conservative-led Surrey council has been criticised for failing to follow ‘good practice’ during its purchase of a shopping centre.
Charity working for council to cut 500 jobs
The charity delivering cultural and leisure services in Glasgow on behalf of the city council is planning to cut 500 jobs over the next few years as a result of the pandemic.
New housing to be in keeping with local tradition, Jenrick says
New homes should be built using an architectural style in keeping with the history of their area and located on streets lined with trees, the Government has announced.
Councils ‘resistant’ to repurposing empty commercial space
A think-tank has accused local authorities of being ‘resistant’ to measures that could see empty retail spaces repurposed for housing.
Vaccinated social care staff no longer required to self-isolate
Health leaders have been left divided by the Government’s announcement that fully vaccinated social care staff and NHS workers who have been told to self-isolate will be allowed to continue working.
Government criticised for ‘lack of clarity’ over net-zero strategy
Auditors have criticised the Government for not providing local authorities with clarity about their role in achieving net-zero by 2050.
Council criticised for increasing care admin costs 200%
The London Borough of Bexley has agreed to revise its social care charging policy after the administration costs for one resident’s care increased 200%.
Children’s services spending slashed in half, charities warn
Council spending on crucial services that help stop children reaching crisis point has halved over the last decade, new research has revealed.
MPs call for councils to be given more powers to tackle ‘land banking’
Local authorities should be granted more powers to act where developers are too slow in completing sites with planning permission, MPs have said.
Bristol apologises for ‘distress’ caused by mishandling of complaints
Bristol City Council has apologised after being criticised for failing to provide evidence it had completed Ombudsman recommendations in two separate complaints.
Government announces £50m boost for care leavers
The Government today announced a £51m funding boost to help councils support care leavers and have launched a consultation on improving the quality of housing for those leaving care.
Shared ownership reforms could lead to loss of affordable homes, providers warn
Proposed reforms of the shared ownership regime may result in a loss of affordable homes due to the increased administration and costs for social housing providers and local authorities.
Council ‘outraged’ by Unite decision to continue bin strike
Thurrock BC has said it is ‘outraged’ workers in its waste and recycling department have decided to continue to strike.
Lack of social care plans could ‘destabilise’ reforms
Local authority leaders have warned that the absence of a long-term, fully funded plan for social care could destabilise other health and care reforms.
COVID passports have ‘significant implications’ for councils
Local authority leaders have called on the Government to work closely with councils on the COVID-19 status certification proposals because of the impact they will have on local enforcement and other areas.
Pre-paid card firms supplying councils acted ‘as a cartel,’ regulator says
Three out of five firms that issue councils with pre-paid cards have admitted breaching competition rules and agreed to pay penalties totalling more than £32m.
Councils taking ‘too long’ to pay support grants to businesses
The Government has written to the leaders of 314 councils in England urging them to pay out grants money to businesses more quickly.
Councils speak out over controversial planning laws
Councils have stressed they continue to need to have a voice in the planning process as new laws came into force.
More cash as Troubled Families rebranded
The Government has rebranded its Troubled Families programme and pledged £165m.
