George Osborne has revealed that councils will be given even more powers over decision making in their local areas as part of his Spending Review and Autumn Statement.

As part of his joint Spending Review and Autumn Statement, Chancellor George Osborne has revealed that the housing budget is to be doubled to £2 billion a year.

Proposed reforms to the number of Welsh council’s could save up to £650 million over the next ten years, according to figures from the Welsh Government.

A report conducted by the Trade Union Congress (TUS), for the Fabian Society, has outlined where public spending cuts have undermined service quality by reducing provision and increasing waiting times for critical services.

With the wintery weather affecting most parts of the country, councils have stockpiled 1.2 million tonnes of salt in preparation for further weather problems.
A Winter Readiness Survey, conducted by the Local Government Association (LGA), has found that half of the nation’s councils have already reached their limit for salt storage capacity. It also highlighted that 80 per cent have installed community grit bins so residents can salt pavements and paths themselves.
Gritters will be out treating thousands of miles of roads whenever overnight temperatures drop below zero.

The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has published figures showing that England’s 444 local authorities hold £22.5 billion in non-ringfenced reserves.

Data published by the RAC Foundation has revealed that 2,375 council-maintained road bridges are unable to carry the heaviest vehicles, and it will cost £328 million to repair them.

A review has been launched to ensure that local communities benefit from development in their area.

Flintshire County Council has opted to suspend the Right to Buy scheme in its area due to a shortage of social housing.

Andy Street, the managing director of John lewis, has been appointed as the lead non-executive director at the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG).