‘Raise minimum smoking age’, says review
The minimum age for buying cigarettes should be raised by one year annually until no-one is able to take up smoking in England, an independent review into smoking has recommended.
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Right to buy extended to housing associations
Around 2.5 million housing association tenants in England are to be given the right to buy their homes at a discounted price, with government pledging to build a new social home for every one sold.
Local taxpayers ‘subsidising’ festivals
Local taxpayers are heavily subsidising some commercial events because of outdated licensing fees, the LGA has said.
Fines for failing social housing landlords
Ofsted-style inspections and unlimited fines for failing social housing landlords look set to be introduced in England under the Social Housing (Regulation) Bill, currently before Parliament.
Cost of social care for children up a quarter
Latest figures show that spending to protect vulnerable children at risk of harm has increased by almost a quarter in five years, because of soaring demand for support.
first packaging
This story was updated on 04 May to clarify recycling guidance. Rising paper prices and energy costs coupled with our pledge to reduce our carbon emissions have led the LGA to take the decision to replace first’s paper wrapping with a fully compostable starch polywrap.
Record vacancies mask jobs disparity
A third of England still has twice as many jobseekers as there are vacancies, according to new research commissioned by the LGA – despite the unemployment rate reaching its lowest level for more than 50 years.
Maintained schools ‘outperforming academies’
Council-maintained schools are outperforming academies, new research for the LGA reveals.
Councils warn of new scams
The LGA has warned that criminals are cold calling residents asking for their bank details so they can receive the Government’s £150 energy rebate.
Local elections dilemma
With the final result in the London Borough of Havering declared fully 96 hours after the polls closed, this year’s local elections truly were a slow burn.