Sue Robb of 4Children talks to Julie Laughton and Alison Britton from the Department for Education about the role of childminders in delivering the 30 hours free entitlement.
What has been deemed an ‘historic error’ by the government has seen local councils overpaid a total of £36 million more than they were entitled to.
The error, which relates to the business rates pilot scheme and impacts 27 councils and the Greater London Authority, was discovered after civil servants began to work through the necessary calculations to prepare for the extension of the business rates pilots programme.
Local Government Secretary Sajid Javid has said the councils will not have to pay the money back in light of the ‘extraordinary circumstances’.
The local councils affected were: Greater London Authority; Bolton; Bury; Manchester; Oldham; Rochdale; Salford; Stockport; Tameside; Trafford; Wigan; Halton; Knowsley; Liverpool; Sefton; St Helens; Wirral; Birmingham; Coventry; Dudley; Sandwell; Solihull; Walsall; Wolverhampton; Bath and North East Somerset; Bristol; South Gloucestershire; and Cornwall.
Andrew Gwynn, Labour’s Shadow Communities and Local Government Secretary, said: “This is a complete and utter shambles. There is little wonder that Tory Councils are going bust, when the Secretary of State gets his maths wrong twice. After eight years of cuts, councils are facing unprecedented pressures to balance their books – this task has been made even harder by a Government that has no long-term strategy and no grasp on the figures. 27 authorities will now receive fewer funds than they budgeted for. Sajid Javid needs to explain how this mistake was allowed to happen, and what checks will be put in place to prevent even more errors.”
Sue Robb of 4Children talks to Julie Laughton and Alison Britton from the Department for Education about the role of childminders in delivering the 30 hours free entitlement.
Join the digital, data and technology community at DigiGov Expo – where public sector experts and innovators gain knowledge to transform government services.
The Workplace Event 2024
In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, shifting workplace cultures, and an increased focus on employee well-being, The Workplace Event (TWE) 2024 emerges as a beacon of insight, innovation, and inspiration. Taking place from April 30 - May 2 2024 at the NEC Birmingham, TWE brings together over 5,000 workplace and facilities management professionals.
Neat Bins, Part of Neat Seats Ltd is a company that specialises in cleaning all your wheeled bins
Let us show you the way…….
In the UK, asbestos remains a legacy issue in many public buildings, posing significant health and safety concerns. Craig Evans, chief operating officer of UKATA, presents a comprehensive guide on the removal, surveying, and consultation processes essential for asbestos management.
Scotland is a captivating destination that offers ideal settings for corporate meetings and events, incentive trips, and association conferences. With its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, vibrant culture, and world-class facilities, Scotland has everything you need to ensure your event is memorable and successful.