Legislation
Local Government Finance Bill: A big let-down for the sector
With a parliamentary agenda lacking much in terms of legislation for the next two years aside from a series of Bills aimed at delivering a ‘smooth and orderly’ Brexit, Sam Clayden reports on the sector’s reaction to last week's Queen's Speech.
Tensions rise as NHS fines 22 councils for bed-blocking
The NHS has fined at least 22 councils for bed-blocking and threatened 11 others with charges amid escalating tensions between health and care.
Austerity must be eased
Heather Jameson says that without the return of business rates or a solution to the social care crisis, the only option must be the easing of austerity.
100% business rates retention legislation dropped
The Local Government Finance Bill has been dropped from the legislative programme, leaving plans for business rates retention in limbo.
Little substance predicted from Queen's Speech
The Queen’s Speech is set to have Brexit at its heart but not much else, according to predictions in the run up to the state opening of Parliament.
Don't forget informal carers
London Councils’ executive member for adult social care, Cllr Ray Puddifoot, on the value of informal carers.
Welsh industrial action legislation amended
Public sector employers in Wales will no longer be able to use temporary workers to cover the work of employees during industrial action.
Sector doubts over future plan as 100% rates retention is put on ice
Dissent over 100% business rates retention is growing in the sector after it was put on ice by the calling of the General Election, The MJ understands.
Capitalising on municipal marijuana
Paul Wheeler calls for the UK to take a (cannabis) leaf out of Canada's legislation book.
The next PM must deliver on pledges to boost council autonomy
Whichever party wins the General elections, they must deliver on promises made to increase autonomy in local government and increase our ability to plan for a sustainable future, writes Claire Kober.
Number of Dubs scheme children to rise
The total number of children resettled under the Dubs scheme by councils will rise to 480, the Home Office has confirmed.
‘Delay rollout of 100% rates retention by at least a year’
The rollout of 100% business rates retention should be pushed back by at least a year, the chair of the Communities and Local Government Committee has urged.
Warning over ‘proxy vote’ as elections clash
The local elections could be turned into a ‘proxy vote on party politics and Brexit’ by the General Election weeks later, a think-tank boss has warned.
EXCLUSIVE: Diversity gap plaguing sector leadership roles
Chief executives have been urged to embrace diversity after exclusive research revealed fears that women and minority groups were continuing to hit a glass ceiling.
Pickles to stand down as MP
Former communities secretary Sir Eric Pickles has announced he is standing down as MP for Brentwood and Ongar after 25 years.
Business rates retention future 'unclear'
A think-tank has questioned whether plans for 100% business rates retention will make it back onto Parliament’s agenda after the General Election.
LGA lending support to rates avoidance issue
Ministers have agreed to work with the Local Government Association (LGA) to reduce business rates avoidance.
Out-of-city accommodation ‘puts families at risk’
An increasing number of London boroughs are placing families at risk of homelessness in out-of-city accommodation despite evidence suggesting that many properties are unsuitable, campaigners have claimed.
EXCLUSIVE: Fresh bed-blocking fine threat looming
Councils are facing a fresh risk of NHS fines for ‘bed-blocking’ as health bodies struggle to hit new Treasury targets to reduce deficits.
Election casts doubt on 100% retention plan
Plans to roll out 100% business rates retention from April 2019 have been thrown into the air by the calling of the General Election.