William Eichler
Counter-extremism faces ‘unprecedented challenges’
The battle against radicalisation at the local level faces ‘unprecedented challenges’ due to a lack of funding, local authority leaders have warned.
LTNs popular and effective, leaked report says
Low-traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) are popular and effective, a leaked report from the Department for Transport (DfT) has found.
Budget: Household Support Fund extended
A scheme aimed at supporting the most vulnerable households will be extended for another six months, chancellor Jeremy Hunt has announced in the Budget.
Combined authority criticised for ‘inconsistent’ Best Value approach
The Government has criticised the West of England Combined Authority for what it describes as ‘inconsistent action’ over flagged value for money concerns.
Levelling up requires ‘meaningful’ devolution, business group says
Business leaders have called for ‘meaningful decision-making powers’ to be devolved to local authorities to help boost left-behind regions.
Brum proposes £300m cuts
Cash-strapped Birmingham City Council will cut spending on services by £300m to balance its books.
Gove: Short-term lets to require planning permission
Second-home owners will have to seek planning permission for future short-term lets, the Government has announced.
Council leaders call for review of Ukrainian refugee scheme
Council leaders have called for an urgent review of funding for Ukrainian refugees as 9,000 have reported as homeless and more need longer-term support.
Warwickshire probe over councillor SEND comments
Warwickshire CC has launched an investigation after a video showed councillors making disparaging remarks about children with special educational needs.
Medway requests emergency loan
Medway Council has asked the Government for an emergency loan to help the struggling local authority avoid effective bankruptcy.
Council hands police file on £1m pay-outs
A file relating to allegedly unlawful exit payments to managers at Northumberland CC has been handed to police.
‘Three strikes and you’re out’ social housing plans announced
Social landlords could soon be empowered to evict anti-social tenants and ban them from applying for council housing under the Government’s new plans.
Teesworks inquiry finds no evidence of ‘corruption’
An inquiry into accusations of corruption relating to the Teesworks scheme has found no evidence of ‘illegality’ but ‘transparency’ concerns remain.
Council set to halve sick pay
Southend Council is planning to halve the amount of sick pay given to staff in a move Unison has described as ‘callous’.
Ombudsman calls for Royal Commission for social housing
The Housing Ombudsman has called for the establishment of a Royal Commission to deliver a long-term plan for social housing that tackles social injustices.
Bronson Battersby: Review launched after toddler’s death
Lincolnshire County Council has launched a review after the tragic death of two-year-old Bronson Battersby.
Social care career reforms ‘only scratch the surface’
The Government today announced new measures to improve the career prospects of social care staff but concerns remain that this ‘may only scratch the surface’ of the workforce crisis.
Stoke-on-Trent council warns of ‘radical cuts’
Stoke-on-Trent City Council may be forced to declare effective bankruptcy and make ‘radical cuts’ to services if extra Government support is not secured.
Half of workers unsure their council can avoid bankruptcy
Around 50% of local government workers are ‘unsure’ or ‘unconfident’ that their organisation is financially sustainable, a new study has revealed.
Brighton’s finances in ‘perilous position’
Brighton & Hove City Council’s finances are in an ‘extremely perilous position’, the local authority’s leader has warned.