New LGA chief executive, Paul Coen, visited Barnsley MBC on his first day in the post, to find out more about the issues the council is facing.

Mr Coen has vowed to visit local authorities across the country, and on Monday met with Barnsley chief executive, Phil Coppard, and council leader, Stephen Houghton. ‘Local government has never been in better shape,' Mr Coen said. ‘But there is plenty more that we need to achieve. I want to hear from councillors and officers across the country about the fantastic work they are doing, day in, day out, to make sure people receive top-quality services, and the places where they live and work, flourish.'