Whitehall
Government ‘serious about levelling up’
New ministerial arrivals at the renamed Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) show a renewed commitment to its flagship policy, a report has said.
A familiar face in a beefed-up role
As Michael Gove steps intro the newly-styled Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Heather Jameson charts his rise and realism on tackling the country’s current challenges.
Pressure grows on government over funds announcement
Scotland’s council leaders have called for the UK Government to announce the outcome of applications to the community renewal and levelling up funds without delay.
Back to the future for Gove
The newly renamed communities department with its enhanced brief to deliver levelling up has shades of John Prescott and his regional agenda suggests Michael Burton
Councils’ net-zero hopes dashed
There are no plans for new powers, frameworks or funding overhauls in the Government’s net-zero strategy, ministers have admitted.
Levelling up 'must start with councils'
A panel of experts has agreed council funding is key to addressing regional inequalities.
Slough approves asset fire sale
Crisis-hit Slough Council has approved plans to flog around £600m worth of assets as it battles to get its finances under control.
Leicestershire faces worsening financial crisis
Leicestershire CC has said factors such as COVID-19 have left it facing a worsening financial crisis.
Government brushes off reorganisation challenge
The Government is believed to have brushed off a legal challenge from Cumbria CC to reorganisation plans for the county.
Chief and leader at odds over government intervention request
Tensions between Thanet DC’s chief executive and leader have erupted into the open after the latter asked the Government to intervene in the council.
Ministry in rebrand to put levelling up centre stage
New secretary of state Michael Gove will preside over a beefed up new department with a firm focus on levelling up, it has been revealed.
Short-changed again
Clive Betts warns that with little clarity on how much extra money will be spent next year, there is the prospect of social care unravelling unless councils receive more money to fill the existing funding gaps.
The clock is tickling
Local government is awaiting the outcome of some important announcements in the next couple of months, says Paul O'Brien. Will the Government trust councils to crack on?
Ministers set to water down planning proposals
Speculation is growing that ministers are preparing to water down their proposed planning reforms.
Councils call for more time to spend community renewal cash
Council chiefs have called for more time to spend cash from the community renewal fund (CRF) after the Government delayed announcing successful projects.
Government fails to consult DPHs on winter plan
Public health directors have hit out at a lack of engagement by the government in developing its autumn/winter COVID-19 plan.
Councils prepare for legal battle with Home Office
Seven authorities have launched proceedings against the Home Office over the asylum dispersal scheme.
Councils ask for national support on climate change
Councils have said they stand ready to take action to reduce carbon emissions, but require action from central government.
Levelling up too focused on infrastructure, claims report
Ministers’ ‘levelling up’ agenda is too focused on new infrastructure projects at the expense of improving key public services, councils representing English towns and cities have warned.
Pickles praises mayors during pandemic
Former local government secretary Eric Pickles has admitted he was a ‘late convert’ to the idea of metro mayors.
