William Eichler
More social housing could save councils nearly £600m a year on housing support
A new study has calculated that councils could save millions of pounds if money spent on housing support was invested in building homes in the social rented sector.
Auditors question financial sustainability of Welsh councils
Auditors have questioned the sustainability of local authorities in Wales despite the improved financial position councils have experienced as a result of pandemic support.
Council apologises for SEND failures
Suffolk CC has apologised to families who rely on special educational needs and disabilities provision after a report found the council was 'not performing well'.
Welsh government confirms £5m town centre funding
The Welsh government has confirmed that £5m of loan funding will be made available to support the regeneration of town centres.
Richard Leese to step down as Manchester leader
The leader of Manchester City Council, Richard Leese, has announced his intention to step down after a quarter of a century at the head of the council.
Welsh councils must provide ‘ambitious leadership’ to revive high street
Local authorities in Wales have been urged to use their existing powers and resources to make town centres sustainable.
High Court grants permission for levelling up fund legal challenge
The High Court has granted permission for a legal challenge to the levelling up fund after campaigners accused the Government of using it for political purposes.
Yorkshire council in shortage warning
North Yorkshire CC has warned it faces dramatic adult social care staff shortages.
Labour market recovery uneven, think tank warns
Tourism-reliant areas have seen job numbers pick up over the summer, but the jobs recovery is uneven and has a long way to go, according to a new analysis.
Mayor of London pledges to resist rough sleeping Immigration Rules
Over 80 organisations have pledged to stand against rough sleeping Immigration Rules which make rough sleeping grounds for refusing a person’s leave to remain.
Welsh government proposes placing polling stations in colleges
People in Wales may soon be able to vote for their local representatives as they go about their weekly shop or finish their lessons.
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.
