‘Take local approach to energy efficiency’ – LGA
Councils are calling for a new local approach after a flagship energy efficiency scheme supported just 60,000 homes in Britain in 2022 – down from almost half a million in 2013.
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Poorest places in ‘broadband slow lane’
Poorer households are being left in the “broadband slow lane” despite relying more heavily on the internet at a time of rising prices, a new LGA report on digital exclusion has revealed.
Labour nominates new LGA chair
Cllr Shaun Davies, LGA Senior Vice-Chair and Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council, is set to become the LGA’s next chair, following May’s local elections.
Planning fee proposals ‘not enough to break even’
Planning fees would need to be increased by almost 60 per cent to ensure all councils in deficit are able to break even, LGA modelling has revealed.
Councils ‘need more powers’ on school attendance
The LGA has reiterated calls for councils to be given powers to ensure that children who are missing school don’t slip through the net.
New deal for private sector housing renters
An overhaul of housing laws aimed at improving the quality of housing and empowering renters to challenge poor landlords without fear of losing their homes has been announced by the Government.
Mapping an assurance framework for councils
The LGA has started discussions on an assurance framework for local government.
Supported housing ‘unregulated’
An increasing number of landlords are being allowed to profit by providing costly, sub-standard housing with little or no support, supervision or care for vulnerable residents, according to the National Audit Office.
Benefits support for those leaving Sudan
UK nationals who have left Sudan because of the violence there will be exempt from residency tests on arrival in the UK – meaning they will be able to access benefits, social housing and homelessness assistance.
Concerns raised over pollutants in household waste
The LGA has warned that tougher rules on disposing of items that contain persistent organic pollutants (POPs) could be expensive and difficult for councils.