Laura Sharman
Queen’s Speech: New law to ‘modernise’ planning system
The Government has pledged to push ahead with reforms to the planning system in order to meet housebuilding targets.
Welsh elections 2021: Labour set to win elections
Welsh Labour are set to retain control of the Welsh Government, taking half of the seats on the second day of counting.
Scottish elections 2021: SNP secures fourth election victory
The SNP has won 64 seats in the Scottish local elections, although was one short of winning a majority.
New measures to boost recycling rates
New proposals to increase the amount of household waste being recycled have been unveiled by the Government today.
English elections 2021: Conservatives make gains across country
The Conservatives have taken control of 13 more councils in England in last week's local elections.
Local elections 2021: 'A disastrous election for Labour'
Labour has an 'identity crisis' after 'disastrous' local elections, opponents have claimed.
Smart cities could be targeted by hackers, experts warn
Local authorities have been given expert guidance to help protect their smart cities from cyber attacks.
Climate change efforts hindered by 'broken' system, warns report
Local government efforts to tackle climate change are being held back by a ‘broken’ national system, a new report has found.
Pandemic made councils 'more responsive' to charities, survey finds
The pandemic has helped improve the relationships and collaboration between local authorities and charities, according to new research.
Think-tank calls for reform of 'regressive' council tax in Scotland
Council tax in Scotland should be increased to the same levels as the rest of the UK, a think-tank has argued today.
Public backs more city devolution
More than eight in 10 people support more devolution to England’s largest cities, a new poll has revealed.
Figures show rise in sexual and criminal exploitation under lockdown
Criminal and sexual exploitation has risen ‘dramatically’ during the pandemic, new data has warned today.
Domestic abuse victims facing 'unfair lottery' of support
Victims of domestic abuse are not getting the help they need due to 'significant' gaps in support, new research has warned.
Government rules out COVID-19 business rates appeals
Local authorities will be allocated a £1.5bn funding pot to help businesses affected by COVID-19.
Levelling up funding is 'poorly targeted' report warns
There are 6.5 million people living in deprived local authorities that will not be helped by the Government's levelling up funding, new analysis has revealed.
'Beveridge report for children' launched
A ‘once-in-a-generation review’ of the future of childhood has been launched by the Children’s Commissioner for England.
MPs call for review of local authority flood funding
The Government needs a better understanding of whether funding allocated to local authorities to prevent flooding is matching local risks, MPs have warned.
Council pension funds invest nearly £10bn in fossil fuels
Nearly £10bn of local government pension funds are still invested in fossil fuels, new research has found.
MHCLG to open Wolverhampton base
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is to open a second headquarters in the Black Country as part of plans to shift civil servants away from the capital.
Women on the frontline are 'exhausted' survey warns
Women working in local government have warned the emotional, physical and financial impact of the pandemic is taking its toll, a new survey has revealed.
