Local approaches to health inequalities
Inequalities such as deprivation, low income and poor housing have always meant poorer health, reduced quality of life and early death for many people
The Editorial Team
New funding to tackle drugs crime
An extra £80 million is to be invested in drug treatment services across England to give more support to offenders with drink and drug addictions, as part of an overall £148 million package to cut crime and protect people from the menace of illegal drugs.
Central role for employers in FE reforms
Employers will have a greater say in the development of skills training as part of reforms to post-16 technical education set out in a new White Paper, ‘Skills for jobs’.
Guidance for children in care
The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has urged councils to scrutinise services for children in care.
Funding boost for homelessness
Extra funding has been announced by the Chancellor in the Spending Review to help councils support people at risk of homelessness and rough sleeping during COVID-19.
Queen’s Speech ‘levels up’ but not on social care
The Government has put forward its new legislative programme, with a wide range of measures set out in the Queen’s Speech to Parliament including around planning, jobs and skills, health and care reform, environment, climate change and building safety.
Primary school applications fall
Nearly all councils in England have reported a fall in applications for primary school places, according to a survey by the Press Association.
Government launches new bus strategy
The Prime Minster has launched a new £3 billion Bus Strategy aimed at tackling the fragmented bus service market and reforming the fare system.
Forget what you think you know
The LGA’s new podcasts shine a light on the work of councils as they tackle societal issues such as housing supply and homelessness.
Schools closed and exams dropped
The LGA has praised the work of school leaders and councils in switching overnight to remote learning for pupils, after the latest lockdown was announced on 4 January.