Developing the leaders of the future
The LGA’s programme to find the brightest officers got off to a good start and will continue in the autumn.
The Editorial Team
Commercial investments ‘to generate income’
Some local authorities in England have invested an estimated £6.6 billion in buying commercial property over the past three years, mostly with the aim of generating a financial return, according to the National Audit Office.
Housing benefit boost
The local housing allowance (LHA) freeze has been reversed as part of the Chancellor’s £7 billion investment in the welfare system, aimed at protecting jobs and incomes during the coronavirus outbreak.
Skills gaps warning on immigration
Reform of the UK’s immigration system provides an opportunity to tackle skills gaps and workforce challenges in specific sectors, such as construction and social care, the LGA has said.
LGA: ‘Call up retired care workers’
As first was going to press, the LGA was calling on ministers to consider how they could help retired care workers who may want, or be able, to return to work.
Councils warn of rise in coronavirus-related scams
Self-isolating older and vulnerable residents are at risk of being exploited by strangers and cold callers posing as helpful neighbours in order to scam them, councils up and down the country have been warning.
£5 billion for buses and bikes
The Government has announced “a much-needed boost” of £5 billion for bus and cycling services.
More spending on local priorities
An extra £30 billion of spending was announced in the Budget in March, much of it aimed at dealing with the coronavirus outbreak.
Emergency powers
The LGA has helped shape the new Coronavirus Act to ensure councils can act as a fourth emergency service and design new ways to support communities.