Polluted rivers ‘halt house building’
New LGA analysis shows that more than 7 per cent of England’s planned house building cannot go ahead because of rising pollution levels in rivers.
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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.
Consultation launched on fire service governance
The Government has reiterated its preference for fire and rescue services to be accountable to a single, elected individual, in its long-awaited fire reform White Paper.
18,000 affordable homes ‘lost’ to permitted development
More than 18,000 affordable houses have been lost as a result of office-to-residential conversions under permitted development.
Illegal tobacco sales exacerbating health inequalities
Smokers could increasingly turn to illicit tobacco, which can be sold for as little as half market price, to cut costs, the LGA has warned.
Health and safety concerns for private renters
Councils increasingly do not have the capacity and capability to provide ‘appropriate and consistent protection for private renters’, according to a new report from the Public Accounts Committee.
500,000 ‘waiting for adult social care’
More than half a million people are waiting for an adult social care assessment, for care or a direct payment to begin, or for a review of their care, according to a recent survey.
National welcome for new councillors
The LGA is hosting a virtual national welcome event for newly elected councillors on 20 June, following May’s local elections.