I am sure many of us will be glad to see the back of yet another year dominated by the coronavirus pandemic. From the awful loss of loved ones, friends and colleagues to widening health inequalities, economic turmoil and worsening mental health, COVID-19 has impacted every part of our lives.
Levelling up has meant “everything and nothing” for some people because they “haven’t been able to get a fix on it” – not my words, but those of Michael Gove MP, on his 36th day as Secretary of State for Levelling up, Housing and Communities.
The Spending Review 2021 takes place on 27 October, and it’s safe to say that the first multi-year settlement since before the pandemic will be crucial for local government.
As first was going to press, Prime Minister Boris Johnson was working through a Cabinet reshuffle that has seen some important ministerial changes in key Whitehall departments for local government.
Last month, the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change issued a stark reminder of the impact of climate change.
The great national challenges of our day – living with coronavirus, building back the economy, ensuring high-quality care, and protecting the environment for future generations – all have one thing in common.
In just a few days, everyone in England and Wales will be able to vote in an unprecedented round of local and national elections.
In his first speech after becoming Prime Minister, Boris Johnson promised to “fix the crisis in social care, once and for all”.
The polling booths and paperwork may have been packed away, and the news agenda may have moved on, but it is worth reflecting on more than just the results of May’s local elections, important as they were.
The Government has announced a package of reforms to the Right to Buy scheme, in what is a significant lobbying success for the LGA, following years of campaigning.