Councils have been handed new powers to hold public meetings virtually by using video or telephone conferencing technology.

England’s buses will receive a funding boost totalling £397 million to help them continue serving those who rely on them.

As the coronavirus pandemic has worsened, nearly a million people have applied for universal credit benefits in the past fortnight.
The Department for Work and Pensions, which would normally expect 100,000 claims in a two week period, said that 950,000 successful applications for the payment were made between 16 March, when people were advised to work from home, and the end of the month.

Concerns over spiralling household waste have prompted councils to issue a plea to residents to minimise the rubbish they throw away.

The Geospatial Commission has announced that it is increasing the location data available to the public sector across England and Wales.

Robert Jenrick has announced steps to further reform the building safety system to ensure residents are safe in their homes.

The LGA is collaborating with Arts Council England to help support cultural organisations to deal with the current coronavirus situation.

Bristol City Council has commissioned a non-statutory review of services to help Bristol become a more autism-friendly city.

Newcastle has provided minibuses for bin crews to be transported to their collection rounds so that social distancing guidelines can be met.

Councils are being given new powers to support the NHS and increase hospital capacity as Wales responds to the coronavirus pandemic.
Welsh Housing and Local Government Minister Julie James has introduced emergency permitted development rights, which will allow local authorities to change the use of buildings or erect temporary structures on their land without planning permission. This means that local authorities can use buildings, such as leisure centres, as temporary hospitals if they are needed to prevent or control an emergency.