Crossing the floor
In recent years it has become more common for members of Parliament to quit the party under whose banner they were elected and sit either as Independents or for one of their former rivals.
Be a councillor
Next year’s council elections offer an important chance to improve the diversity of candidates standing to represent their local communities
Testing, tiers and firebreaks
It has been another busy and challenging month for all the councillors and officers responding to the rise in COVID-19 infections across the country, and those involved in negotiations with the Government regarding local and regional restrictions and wider general support for councils.
Thinking inside the box
It is almost impossible to express how excited I am about the opening of The Box in Plymouth, the largest arts and heritage space to open in the UK this year.
Meeting in the time of coronavirus
Almost every council holds a meeting of all councillors in May, following the local elections.
New office to tackle health inequalities
A new Office for Health Promotion will lead national efforts to improve and level up the health of the nation by tackling obesity, improving mental health and promoting physical activity, the Government has announced.
Rough sleeping commission launched
A new independent commission chaired by LGA President Lord Bob Kerslake has been launched to examine and learn the lessons from the emergency response to rough sleeping during the pandemic.
New agency to tackle future pandemic threats
A new UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has been launched to prevent and respond to external threats to the country’s health – such as from infectious diseases like COVID-19.
Building communities
The Government has an ambitious target of building 300,000 homes a year. While these homes are much needed in many areas, the fundamental importance of building communities is often forgotten.
Ban on unregulated homes for under-16s
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson MP has announced that a ban on placing vulnerable children under the age of 16 in unregulated accommodation will come into force in September.