Local audit ‘in crisis’
Local auditors gave opinions on only 12 per cent of local government bodies’ 2021/22 financial statements by the statutory deadline, according to a report from the National Audit Office.
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New waste deposit scheme announced
The amount of waste produced in the UK needs to be reduced, the LGA has said, in response to a government announcement on deposit return schemes.
Warning sounded over health visitor shortages
Councils are warning of growing shortages in the number of local health visitors, in response to a report by the Institute of Health Visiting.
‘Complacency’ on creative industries
Government complacency risks undermining the UK’s creative industries in the face of increased competition and technological change, according to Peers.
Careers boost for young people
Primary school pupils will benefit from a new careers programme to encourage them to think about future jobs early, while nurturing aspirations and challenging stereotypes.
Safeguarding concerns in out-of-school settings
The LGA is calling for tougher powers for councils to oversee and regulate ‘out-of-school’ settings, including being able to shut down illegal schools.
Funding to rise but ‘challenges remain’
Government proposals to increase local government core spending power by 9.2 per cent in 2023/24 will help councils manage inflationary and other cost pressures, the LGA has said.
Cost-of-living crisis ‘could increase fire risk’
Households looking for alternative and cheaper ways of lighting and heating their homes because of the cost-of-living crisis could be increasing the risk of fire, the LGA has warned.
‘120,000 children homeless over Christmas’
More than 4,500 primary school classes worth of homeless children spent Christmas in temporary accommodation, amid concerns of a national homelessness crisis.
£650m support for refugees
A new support package for refugees, announced in December, includes increased ‘thank you’ payments for longer-term hosts of Ukrainian arrivals and a £500 million fund for councils to acquire housing stock for those fleeing conflict.