DLUHC
The key to a sustainable workforce
At a time when candidates are in high demand and often can call the shots, a well-defined employer value proposition that contains a robust learning and development programme is the key to boosting retention – as Mark Bearn explains.
Minister rules out Oflog role on audit
A minister has quashed suggestions oversight of audit should be handed to the Office for Local Government (Oflog).
Whiteman criticises lack of prevention focus in productivity demands
Some ministerial productivity demands are ‘populist nonsense’ more likely to appear in election campaigns than ‘plug material gaps’ in council finances, an expert has warned.
There’s real value in our arts
Council support for arts and culture is at serious risk amid the latest funding crisis. But we must find a way to sustain the arts as a remedy to our deepest challenges, says Alison Mckenzie-Folan.
Councils hit with new productivity demands
Ministers have demanded councils improve their productivity in the same week as the Government quietly published a report revealing Whitehall makes the sector less efficient.
Ministers to make more changes to debt rules
Ministers are poised to impose immediate further changes to local government debt rules – including stricter in-year reporting of unpaid loan repayments due to town halls.
Cyber criminals target councils in tactics shift
A fresh warning for councils to be vigilant against cyber attackers has been issued after a shift in criminal tactics.
Homes England urged to strengthen relations with local government
An independent review of Homes England has urged officials to 'build closer relationships' with councils.
Reform should not be detached from wider purpose
The role of the centre and its interface with regions and localities must shift as devolution matures, writes Jessica Studdert.
Councils should get traffic light grading, say accountants
Oflog should grade councils using a traffic-light-style ranking system, chartered accountants have suggested.
Oflog co-design promises have been broken, say councils
Ministerial promises to ‘co-design’ the Office for Local Government (Oflog) with the sector have been broken, councils have claimed.
Support for Zane's Law gathers momentum
Two more councils have backed calls for greater transparency over contaminated land and waters following the death of a seven-year-old boy.
Oflog chair steps down
Lord Morse has announced he is stepping down as interim chair of the Office for Local Government (Oflog)
Ministers stand firm on tax bands
Ministers have reiterated to MPs there are ‘no plans’ to revalue council tax bands due to the cost and disproportionate impact on lower-income households and pensioners.
Local government loses 'strongest advocate' Rowsell
Tributes have been paid across the local government sector following the sudden death of Paul Rowsell.
Levelling up project delays ‘astonishing’
Parliament’s spending watchdog has found ‘astonishing’ funding delays and blind optimism have blunted the impact of levelling up projects.
Homelessness inquiry launched by NAO
The National Audit Office (NAO) has launched an inquiry into homelessness as the issue piles pressure on squeezed council budgets.
A quick fix – but is there any choice?
With news of capitalisation directions being given to several councils, Heather Jameson asks if this risky measure – designed to provide fiscal support – will ultimately provide greater problems down the line.
Has the levelling up agenda died or is it only resting?
Levelling-up's recent political incarnation was designed to appeal to voters with a four-year attention span, says Heather Jameson. 'It was only a matter of time before the public noticed there was little life in the bird.'
'Housing emergency' council calls for Whitehall action
A council that recently declared a housing emergency has written to six Whitehall departments, urging them to ‘take decisive action’ because the situation is deteriorating.