Laura Sharman
Government accused of hypocrisy over election campaigning
The Government has been accused of hypocrisy for ruling the local elections can go ahead, but restricting councillors’ ability to campaign.
Alliance calls for a greener rethink to planning reforms
The Government has been urged to rethink its ‘damaging’ reforms to the planning system and put people, climate and nature at its heart by a coalition of 18 organisations.
Review pledges to radically reform children's social care
Council leaders have welcomed the launch of an independent review into children’s social care.
Scottish councils call for fair funding to avoid 'damaging consequences'
Council leaders in Scotland have called for an end to small ring-fenced pots of funding and no cap on council tax in this year’s Budget.
Criminals publish stolen council data online
Data stolen from Hackney LBC in a cyber attack has been published online by the criminals responsible.
Government urged to bring back Everyone In programme
The Government has been urged to ensure all rough sleepers are housed during the third national lockdown.
New Year Honours awarded to local government workers
Figures across local government have been recognised for their response to the pandemic in the 2021 New Year Honours list.
Council backs calls for new national lockdown
Liverpool City Council has called on the Government to introduce a new national lockdown to stop the rapid spread of the new strain of coronavirus.
Urban councils' fears over debt recovery rules
Urban councils have voiced concern over new rules that could prevent them from recovering council tax debts.
Rough sleepers to get extra support for drug and alcohol dependency
Extra funding will be given to 43 areas across England to help rough sleepers recover from drug and alcohol misuse.
West Sussex to keep control of children’s services for at least a year
West Sussex CC will keep control of its children’s services for at least another year following improvements, the Department for Education (DfE) has said.
Thousands of councillors call for rethink on planning reforms
Over 2,000 councillors have called on the Government to rethink its planning proposals, warning the changes will lead to an ‘unacceptable loss’ of local democracy and scrutiny.
Nottingham hits back at 'bankruptcy' claims
Nottingham City Council has refuted claims that it is on the verge of bankruptcy.
New guidance to help councils scrutinise services for children in care
Councils have been urged to review their services for looked after children after a report highlighted variation in practice across the country.
Public health cuts biggest in North East
The Midlands and the North have suffered the biggest public health cuts in England, new analysis has revealed.
Sandwell's outsourced refuse workers secure back pay deal
Refuse workers in Sandwell are set to receive substantial back pay following intervention by trade union Unite.
Spending on libraries drops by £20m in past year
The total spend on British libraries has fallen by nearly £20m in the past financial year, new figures have revealed.
Jenrick outlines fast track planning service for public buildings
Councils will have a legal duty to make decisions on new schools and hospitals within 10 weeks under reforms to the planning system.
Whitehall failing to harness councils’ enthusiasm on climate action
The Government will fail to meet its 2050 net zero carbon target without working in partnership with local authorities, a new report has warned.
Spending Review: NHS receives £3bn funding boost
The chancellor has announced £18bn will be spent on preventative coronavirus measures next year, including vaccines, testing and personal protective equipment.
