Government publish Cities and Local Government Devolution Bill
Moving powers out of Whitehall to allow towns, cities and counties decision making power has taken a substantial step change following the official publication of the Cities and Local Government Devolution Bill.
Report says Right to Buy could have ‘destructive’ outcomes
A report from the London boroughs of Camden, Haringey and Islington has warned that plans to introduce legislation to support home ownership and give housing association tenants the chance to own their own home could have a ‘destructive’ impact on local authorities.
Right-to-buy extension to be announced in Queen's speech
The Queen’s Speech on 27 May will include details of the Conservative government’s plans to extend the right-to-buy scheme, allowing 1.3 million housing association tenants in England to purchase their homes with the same discounts offered to council tenants.
UK public sector risks locking-in outdated technology
Research undertaken by GE Lighting and the Carbon Trust has revealed that 87 per cent of public sector sustainability professionals have begun to embrace smart technologies in an attempt to drive social, economic and environmental benefits.
LGA reveal alternative proposals to Cities Devolution Bill
The Local Government Association (LGA) have produced a white paper on devolution that includes a warning to the new government that the principle of cuts without reform could limit growth and development and challenge the sustainability of vital local services.
Local government outsourcing hits five quarter high
The value of outsourcing contracts in the local government sector reached a five quarter high at the end of March, with new deals signed totalling £350 million, according to the arvato UK Outsourcing Index.
Clark urged to tackle £47 billion local government pension deficit
More than a third of local government pension scheme (LGPS) members believe that new communities minister Greg Clark should prioritise tackling spiralling deficits, according to a survey conducted by the National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF).
Government warned against ‘one size fits all’ devolution plan
In response to the Cities Devolution Bill, the Local Government Association (LGA) has urged the government to ensure that all areas of the country benefit from extra freedoms and flexibilities, not just major cities.
Following it’s success at last weeks local elections, the Conservative party has now become the largest party in the Local Government Association (LGA), slightly ahead of Labour.
Plans to allow English cities power over housing, transport, planning and policing will be unveiled in Chancellor George Osborne’s first speech since the Conservative general election success.
