Andrew Vaux
Tackling homelessness US-style
Andrew Vaux looks at the success of a project based on an international model that is tackling homelessness in one of the UK’s largest cities.
Council leaders demand right to set tax levels
Local authority leaders in Scotland have renewed their fight to set their own council taxes – despite the pledge of a freeze by first minister Humza Yousaf.
Bankrupt council sells failed windfarm portfolio for £700m
Bankrupt Thurrock Council has sold its portfolio of 53 solar farms in a bid to recoup its crippling debts.
Sunderland care workers in equal pay dispute
Female care workers in Sunderland are taking legal action against the city council in a row over equal pay.
Devon and Torbay devolution deal announced
The Government has announced details of a new devolution deal for Devon CC and Torbay Council.
Report – Councils blighted by perception of ‘ineffective leadership’ and low morale
A new report has claimed councils are blighted by a perception of ineffective leadership and low morale.
Woking to sell development to county
A major new deal between Woking BC, Surrey CC and McLaren is set to help ease the financial pressure on the troubled borough and potentially pave the way to selling its headquarters.
Councils disrupted after cyber attack
Three Kent authorities are investigating after online services were disrupted in an suspected hacking attack.
Planning delays ‘major barrier to growth’, say house builders
Delays in securing planning permission are stifling growth for major house builders, a new report has found.
Northern Ireland gripped by largest strike in 50 years
Eighty per cent of Northern Ireland’s public sector workers have walked out in a pay dispute – the biggest strike in the country for 50 years.
MPs demand action on 'catastrophic' impact of poor housing on health
Campaigners are urging the Government to take immediate action to protect tenants whose health is at risk from poor quality homes.
Mumsnet urges councils to publish parental leave policies
Parenting campaign group Mumsnet is calling on local authorities to publish their parental leave policies in a bid to help job seekers.
Growing pressure of mental health on children’s social care services
A new study has revealed the increasing demands and complexity around mental health being placed on children’s social care.
North Northants leader warns of ‘robust action’ to stem budget crisis
The leader of North Northamptonshire Council has banned all but essential spending in an urgent bid to solve the authority’s budget pressures.
Thurrock avoids 10% council tax hike
Cash-strapped Thurrock Council has pledged residents will not face a 10% council tax rise – but still needs to confirm how much extra they must pay.
Analogue phone switch-off set to costs London boroughs at least £31 million
An expert has warned of the soaring costs to London boroughs caused by the phasing out of the analogue phone system.
Southend chief exec departure ‘appropriately planned’
Southend Council has said procedures surrounding the departure of its former chief executive Rob Polkinghorne were carried out correctly – although lessons can be learnt.
Call to end £250m business rate loophole
A campaign to end a loophole which is estimated could cost councils a massive £250m in lost business rates revenue has been backed by senior politicians.
Accounts Commission highlights ‘strong leadership’ at Dumfries and Galloway
An Accounts Commission report has praised Dumfries and Galloway Council’s leadership and finances – but it needs to keep local residents better informed on local services.
Affordable homes spending set to drop by £20 billion
English housing associations have cut planned spending on new affordable homes over the next decade by £20 billion.
