Expansion of access to coronavirus testing revealed

Anyone in England with coronavirus symptoms who either has to leave home to go to work or is aged 65 and over will now be able to get tested.

Councils may need to allocate more space for walking

Experts have called for urgent action to create more space for walking and cycling during the lockdown caused by the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

Platform launched to aid stretched waste collection services

Zero Waste Scotland has launched a platform to help connect local authorities requiring support in maintaining their waste services with private operators.

Social homes may go unbuilt without RTB extension

Social homes could go unbuilt unless councils are granted an extension to the time they are allowed to spend money from Right to Buy sales.

Be clearer over emergency coronavirus funds, councils say

The CCN has urged the government to provide clarity on how much individual authorities will receive from the latest £1.6 billion of emergency funding.

Clarity sought on relaxation of special needs duties

Councils and their partners need greater flexibility to meet the needs of children with special educational needs.

Jenrick welcomes park reopening response

Robert Jenrick has praised councils for ensuring that the vast majority of parks are open, so more people can get outside for exercise safely.

Children with social workers behind peers in attainment

A new study has found that pupils with a social worker are educationally behind their peers by the age of 16.

Lockdown prompts improved air quality in York

New analysis of data has revealed that air quality in York has improved by an average of 30 per cent during the coronavirus lockdown.

Food packages delivered to over half a million at risk

The government has revealed that more than 500,000 boxes of food have now been delivered to those at highest risk across the country.

Councils urge for immediate ‘clipper' PPE service

Dwindling supplies of vital life-saving personal protective equipment for frontline care workers will run out within days.

Most parents do not feel confident teaching at home

New polling has revealed that only 42 per cent of parents feel confident about teaching their children at home.

Coronavirus: Academisation should be put on hold

Academy conversions should be suspended to help over-stretched councils focus on supporting schools to stay open, says LGA.

Coronavirus likely to boost UK’s rare wildflowers

Rare wildflowers could start to bloom during the coronavirus lockdown because many councils are leaving roadside verges uncut.

Dementia patients abandoned during coronavirus crisis

Hundreds of thousands of people with dementia in care homes are being abandoned during coronavirus crisis, says charity.

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Event Diary

Join the digital, data and technology community at DigiGov Expo – where public sector experts and innovators gain knowledge to transform government services.

The Workplace Event 2024

In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, shifting workplace cultures, and an increased focus on employee well-being, The Workplace Event (TWE) 2024 emerges as a beacon of insight, innovation, and inspiration. Taking place from April 30 - May 2 2024 at the NEC Birmingham, TWE  brings together over 5,000 workplace and facilities management professionals.