New plans set out to strengthen local government in Wales

Alun Davies has published plans that could see Wales' 22 councils merged to as few as ten, as part of local government reform proposals.

'Barn conversions’ heap more pressure on rural areas

Rural areas could lose out on investment for affordable homes as a result of planning changes allowing more new homes to avoid local approval.

Individual costs for social care to be capped

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt confirmed that any new system of funding social care will be capped and pledged further support for struggling councils.

‘Outdated and regressive’ council tax should be ditched

The government should consider scrapping the current ‘regressive’ council tax system in favour of a fairer system.

10 per cent of local road network in poor condition

Under-funded local authorities report that more than 24,400 miles of road are identified as needing essential maintenance in the next year.

£23 million fund for neighbourhood planning

The government has announced that more English communities will have free access to guidance to help make their neighbourhood vision a reality.

EV charging points to quadruple in London next year

London Councils has revealed that London boroughs are set to deliver over 2,600 charging points across the capital in the next financial year.

Elderly falls set to cause 1,000 admissions a day

The LGA has warned that the number of hospital admissions due to an older person falling is set to rise to nearly 1,000 a day by the end of the decade.

£26 million boost to school breakfast clubs

The Department for Education has announced a £26 million investment to run morning clubs in schools in the most disadvantaged areas.

Number of secondary schools in deficit trebles

Research has found that the number of state secondary schools falling into deficit has almost trebled in the last four years to more than a quarter.

£3 million flood risk action plan for Devon

Over 300 homes and businesses will benefit from greater flood protection as part of Devon County Council’s Flood Risk Management Action Plan.

Manchester to increase care pay to Living Wage level

Manchester City Council has announced plans to increase the pay of the city’s home care assistants by £1 an hour.

Emergency care fund 'crisis spending' fears

A new report by iMPOWER has detailed how councils have used the £2 billion Improved Better Care Fund since it was announced last Spring.

£17 million DfE funding to improve children's services

The Department for Education has announced a £17 million package of support for councils to improve outcomes for vulnerable children.

New start needed for cash-strapped council

Sajid Javid has recommended ‘a new start’ for Northamptonshire County Council which would best be achieved through the creation of two new unitary councils’.

Pages

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.