Coronavirus
Breathing new life into the City
As the nation begins to emerge from lockdown, leader of Westminster City Council Cllr Rachael Robathan describes some key elements of a rolling renewal programme for the heart of the capital.
Covid-19’s disproportionate impact must prompt action on inequalities
The disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on ethnic minorities must lead to renewed action on tackling inequalities at a bigger, longer-term scale, says London Councils' executive member Cllr Muhammed Butt.
Registering the impact of COVID-19
The impact of COVID-19 on registrars services has been massive, says John Rooney. Here, he outlines how staff adapted swiftly to put vital new processes in place at Rochdale BC.
Slipping through the cracks
CIPFA and Xantura have set up a data partnership to support the local authority fight against COVID-19.The key aim is to find and protect those in immediate need, say Rob Whiteman and Wajid Shafiq.
We've only just begun
After working with councils to get thousands of rough sleepers off the streets, Dame Louise Casey tells Heather Jameson about the next task - ending rough sleeping for good.
Two thirds of care homes untested for COVID-19
Just 15% of workers in care homes have been tested for coronavirus during the pandemic, according to new data.
£50m coronavirus high street fund unveiled
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has published guidance for the ‘Reopening High Streets Safely’ fund.
Directors warn of 'deep concerns' over care funding
Adult social care directors have ‘deep concerns’ about the Infection Control Fund which is being rolled out to support care providers.
DPHs in stark warning over plans to lift lockdown
Public health directors have spoken out about concerns that the Government’s plan to lift lockdown is ‘misjudged’ and coming too quickly.
Councils locked out of plans to lift lockdown
Plans to lift the lockdown for people who have been shielded were not revealed to local government before they were announced at the weekend.
Coronavirus deaths yet to peak in 18 council areas
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has identified the local authorities that are yet to see a peak in the number of deaths due to COVID-19.
Council to furlough 300 staff
Chelmsford City Council is to furlough hundreds of culture and leisure services employees as coronavirus takes its toll on the authority’s finances
Borough chief dies with COVID-19
The chief executive of Swale BC, Mark Radford, has died after being diagnosed with the coronavirus, the council has announced.
Croydon faces 20% overspend
The London borough is facing an overspend of more than £60m – one fifth of its budgeted expenditure – at the end of the financial year.
Government call for rough sleeping plan
Council chiefs have been asked to draw up a support plan for rough sleepers who have been put up in emergency accommodation during the pandemic.
LGA: Councils need £6bn more
Councils need as much as £6bn more to cover the additional costs and losses incurred as a direct result of COVID-19, analysis of the latest financial returns by the Local Government Association (LGA) has found.
Coronavirus shines a light on places that need to be ‘levelled up’
The pandemic has hit our most deprived communities hardest, says Wolverhampton City Council leader Ian Brookfield. There needs to be a new deal to help struggling families and level up the country
Centralising instincts are undermining local assets
NLGN's latest Leadership Index shows the importance of unshackling local government from Westminster's top-down approach, says Pawda Tjoa.
Local lockdown powers up in the air
Council powers over calling a local lockdown are still to be thrashed out as the NHS’ test and trace system is formally launched.
Tories lose borough following resignation
A Conservative councillor has resigned from the party over the actions of Downing Street advisor Dominic Cummings, erasing the party’s grip on West Devon BC.
