News
Emergency settlement call as councils face financial cliff-edge
Calls have been made by a think-tank for a one-year emergency local government settlement with councils facing a ‘financial cliff-edge’.
Brighton council workers announce strike action
Strike action by Brighton & Hove City Council workers is to begin later this month.
Reading considers action against auditor over accounts
Reading Council has been left with a bill of more than £500,000 as it gets to grips with accounting problems.
Universal Credit draining council resources
Universal Credit (UC) is draining resources from councils, a new survey has found.
Javid announces public health duty to tackle violent crime
Home secretary Sajid Javid has announced a new legal duty that will require local authorities to prevent and tackle serious violence.
MPs to examine devolution progress
Progress on devolution in England will be scrutinised by a new Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee inquiry.
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Opinion
Why Staffordshire dares to care
Without a national solution, it’s likely councils will have to intervene even more in the care of the elderly. Dr Richard Harling explains why Staffordshire CC has chosen to launch its own nursing home venture
Intelligent intervention
Peterborough’s pioneering partnership with the Institute for Fiscal Studies aims to benefit its communities’ outcomes for children and young people. Wendi Ogle-Welbourn sets out why the city is testing the approach.
Only devolution can protect public services from years of Brexit chaos
Andrew Laird argues that only a renewed and rapid drive to devolve power to cities and local areas can protect local public services from years of Brexit inspired central government inaction and chaos.
Ten years of shining a light on the exceptional work of councillors
The Local Government Information Unit’s (LGiU) Cllr Achievement Awards – now in their 10th year – are the only national awards to honour the hard work and dedication of councillors. Dr Jonathan Carr-West, chief executive of the LGiU, tells us more.
Are reserves such a bad thing?
The public naming of 11 councils deemed at risk of running out of cash reserves has thrown the spotlight on how this money should be spent. Gary Fielding says careful use of reserves can be the solution to a range of issues.
Don't allow this strange summer lull to dilute our focus
There will come a time when a new administration will need a new domestic policy agenda, says John O'Brien. We have to make sure we continue to show how councils should be a vital part of that future, he adds.
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Best Practice
How London delivers safeguarding
London’s adult safeguarding partnership was set up to unite a plethora of agencies in the capital to develop a single policy and set of procedures and drive learning and improvement. Dawn Wakeling explains,
Analysis
Bringing new members up to speed on funding
England’s new cadre of councillors need to navigate a perfect storm of financial challenges. How can finance directors help them cope successfully with the complexities they face? Ann McGauran reports
Private sector
Kier share price slumps to new low
Shares in Kier Group fell to a record low this week after two influential fund managers cut their stakes in the outsourcing specialist.
Worcestershire calls early end to Civica contract
Worcestershire CC is to pull out of a customer service contract with Civica halfway through its term.
The Armed Forces Covenant
The Armed Forces Covenant Team are at LGA ‘19 – here they discuss their important work.