Councils take historic next step in merger plans

Warwick District Council has agreed to formally submit a request for a full political merger with Stratford-on-Avon District Council.

Framework to support council’s net zero renovations

UKGBC has published a framework to support cities and local authorities to measure the impacts and wider benefits of building retrofit.

Government election reform proposals ‘lack transparency’

MPs have said that the government’s case for mandating the presentation of photo ID at polling stations has ‘simply not been good enough’.

Councils call for extension of outbreak funding

Councils will need an extension to the Covid-19 outbreak funding to tackle rising Omicron cases and meet a surge in demand for local contact tracing.

A new national plan is needed to tackle inactivity

The Committee on a National Plan for Sport and Recreation has called for the government to establish a national plan for sport, health and well-being.

New support package to protect care sector this winter

New measures have been announced to help protect the social care sector, including £300 million to help recruit and reward the workforce.

Report calls for Net Zero Delivery Authority

Policy Connect is urging for the creation of a Net Zero Delivery Authority to provide delivery leadership in England to make net zero happen.

Councils warn of tax rises in 2022 despite funding injection

Leaders of England’s largest councils have warned that that they will have to reluctantly raise council tax next year to keep local services running.

Mental health services for children risk backward slide

The Health and Social Care Committee is urging for action to prevent mental health services slipping backwards as a result of additional demand.

Data shows 274,000 people in England are homeless

New research published by Shelter shows that more than 274,000 people are homeless in England right now, including 126,000 children.

Clear direction for county devolution deals needed

The long-awaited levelling up white paper should include a framework for how the government will negotiate devolution deals with county areas.

Calls for remote council meetings in light of Omicron variant

The Local Government Association is calling for urgent legislation to facilitate councils being able to host remote meetings in light of the Omicron variant.

Bristol to share decarbonisation expertise

Bristol is aiming to share the city’s expertise at delivering decarbonisation projects to neighbouring local authorities via a new partnership.

Pressure on councils’ infrastructure is ‘excessive’

The government should rapidly implement a new strategic planning model to closer align housebuilding and infrastructure in county areas.

Public sector should strive to be more ethical

Localis has argued that the public sector should strive to be more ethical and place-sensitive when buying goods and services worth up to £300 billion each year.

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Event Diary

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.