Author Profile

Joe Lepper

Articles by Joe Lepper

Housing 'key factor' in rising children's services costs

By Joe Lepper | 25 April 2025

Poor housing has emerged as a ‘key contributing factor’ in councils’ mounting bill for children i...

Election win could Reform the sector

By By Joe Lepper | 24 April 2025

A strong performance from Reform UK at next week’s local elections will potentially transform loc...

Cost of homelessness leaves councils reeling

By Joe Lepper | 03 April 2025

Councils are being ‘pushed to breaking point’ by the ballooning cost of homelessness support, cha...

Minister: No compromise on building safety amid housing target pressure

By Joe Lepper | 01 April 2025

Building safety will not be compromised as the Government tries to meet its 1.5m new homes target...

Councils urged to boost China links

By Joe Lepper | 27 March 2025

Councils should reassess their China-related activities to ensure they can access opportunities t...

Homelessness 'fastest growing financial risk' for London boroughs

By Joe Lepper | 27 March 2025

MPs have called for action to help local authorities in London tackle the rising costs of providi...

Finance warning amid growth fears

By Joe Lepper | 13 March 2025

Pressures on local government could become more acute amid fears of ‘lacklustre’ growth, sector e...

Edinburgh softens devo call under new leadership

By Joe Lepper | 12 March 2025

Edinburgh City Council has watered down its calls for more devolved powers under its new leadersh...

Two unitary plan for Lincolnshire

By Joe Lepper | 12 March 2025

Plans to merge Lincolnshire’s 10 councils into two unitary authorities have been published.

Planning legislation to be introduced to Parliament

By Joe Lepper | 10 March 2025

Government legislation aimed at speeding up council planning decisions to boost housebuilding wil...