Devolution – driving local growth
Financial turbulence is as damaging to local government as it is to businesses, and rising costs and inflation are eating away at both council and household budgets.
lga chairman
The cost of underfunded local services
Amid ongoing financial, economic and political uncertainty, the LGA continues to call strongly for a long-term government plan to put councils’ finances on a sustainable footing.
Financing future growth
As first was going to press, we were expecting an emergency fiscal package from the Government, announcing tax cuts.
Passionate about people and places
I can’t say enough how wonderful it was to be with so many of you in Harrogate for the LGA’s first in-person annual conference since 2019.
Making progress on housing and planning
There has been a flurry of government announcements in respect of housing and planning that, taken in the round, have started to address some of the issues that have long concerned the LGA and councils.
Joining up support
More than two months after Russia’s invasion, I know some of you have been able to welcome Ukrainians fleeing the fighting into your communities – and your own homes too, via the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
Planning for the future
The planning system has been a huge frustration for many councils over many years, and yet housing remains unaffordable in many parts of the country.
Delivering public services in a war zone
It will be impossible for many of us to truly imagine the horrors of the war in Ukraine and the devastating impact the unprovoked and illegal aggression by Russia is having on the country and its local communities.
Living with covid
The requirement for people who test positive for COVID-19 to self-isolate has ended, with people expected to take personal responsibility if they may have the virus, as part of government plans to phase out all legal restrictions in England over the coming weeks.
Sharing our good ideas
For the first time in three years, we will be hosting the LGA’s annual conference in person – in Harrogate, from 28-30 June.