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Part of the solution
While eagerly awaiting the local government settlement at the end of 2024, Welsh councils were yet again called on to respond to widespread damage and disruption wrought by appalling weather conditions.
Reducing inequalities in early education
Improving take-up of the early education entitlement among disadvantaged children is key to meeting the government target of 75 per cent of five-year-olds being ‘ready to learn’ by 2028.
Taking the lead
As we begin 2025, I want to reflect on a key event from the end of 2024 that will inform how we approach the next 12 months.
Empowering local decision-makers
Let me take the opportunity in this first first magazine of 2025 to wish all LGA member councils a very happy new year.
Local consensus needed on reorganisation
I hope colleagues across local government had a good Christmas and I am sure everyone is back into the swing of things as we enter 2025.
Unitary debates and social care commissions
It will be another busy year for local government in 2025.
Devolution looks like centralisation
Wishing you a healthy and successful 2025!
Laying bare the financial challenges
In November, we welcomed the great and the good of the local government world to Buckinghamshire, for the County Councils Network’s (CCN’s) Annual Conference 2024. We met in Marlow under dramatically different political circumstances compared with recent history. But while it is all change in the composition of MPs in the Commons, CCN’s approach to advocacy has not changed.
Rural prosperity requires fair funding
Recent Budget announcements have left many in rural areas feeling overlooked.