#local-authorities

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#government-funding

Roadmap to fix England's potholes revealed

Councils must act swiftly to repair potholes as government allocates increased funding for road maintenance.

Bus services across England to share 1bn boost

The UK government is boosting bus services with nearly 1 billion funding focused on need and deprivation, enhancing accessibility and frequency.

Some councils still don't have childcare funding in place, admits education secretary

Local authorities have yet to confirm funding for childcare providers to deliver on the government's promised expansion of free childcare in England.
Childcare providers are unable to commit to offering places for parents of two-year-olds in April due to uncertainty about funding rates.

Sunak to give councils 500m in emergency bailout amid cash crisis

Local authorities in England will receive an emergency bailout from the government to prevent bankruptcy.
Upper tier councils will receive an additional 500m for social care while lower tier districts will receive a boost of approximately 30 to 40m.

Roadmap to fix England's potholes revealed

Councils must act swiftly to repair potholes as government allocates increased funding for road maintenance.

Bus services across England to share 1bn boost

The UK government is boosting bus services with nearly 1 billion funding focused on need and deprivation, enhancing accessibility and frequency.

Some councils still don't have childcare funding in place, admits education secretary

Local authorities have yet to confirm funding for childcare providers to deliver on the government's promised expansion of free childcare in England.
Childcare providers are unable to commit to offering places for parents of two-year-olds in April due to uncertainty about funding rates.

Sunak to give councils 500m in emergency bailout amid cash crisis

Local authorities in England will receive an emergency bailout from the government to prevent bankruptcy.
Upper tier councils will receive an additional 500m for social care while lower tier districts will receive a boost of approximately 30 to 40m.
moregovernment-funding

Tories only spent a quarter of money allocated to levelling up

The Conservatives allocated £10.6bn for regional levelling up but only spent £2.5bn due to bureaucracy and inflation.
#housing-crisis

You can't avoid building new housing, minister tells councils

Local authorities face mandatory housebuilding targets with no flexibility to refuse, aiming for 370,000 new homes annually in England.

Councils must meet housing targets, Rayner says

Councils must meet government housing targets despite concerns about their feasibility.

UK housing crisis: what does Labour's shake-up of planning rules involve?

The UK government aims to build 1.5 million homes by reforming planning rules to address the housing crisis.

You can't avoid building new housing, minister tells councils

Local authorities face mandatory housebuilding targets with no flexibility to refuse, aiming for 370,000 new homes annually in England.

Councils must meet housing targets, Rayner says

Councils must meet government housing targets despite concerns about their feasibility.

UK housing crisis: what does Labour's shake-up of planning rules involve?

The UK government aims to build 1.5 million homes by reforming planning rules to address the housing crisis.
morehousing-crisis
#public-safety

Mystery drones fly near military base, Trump's golf course in New Jersey, FBI investigating

The FBI is investigating large drones spotted over New Jersey, raising safety and security concerns.

Newsom issues executive order for removal of homeless encampments in California

Gavin Newsom issued an executive order for removal of homeless encampments, stating local authorities hold the decision-making power.

Cat up a tree' call leads to capture and relocation of California mountain lion

A mountain lion was safely relocated after being found in a tree in a Tustin neighborhood, showcasing cooperation among local authorities.

Mystery drones fly near military base, Trump's golf course in New Jersey, FBI investigating

The FBI is investigating large drones spotted over New Jersey, raising safety and security concerns.

Newsom issues executive order for removal of homeless encampments in California

Gavin Newsom issued an executive order for removal of homeless encampments, stating local authorities hold the decision-making power.

Cat up a tree' call leads to capture and relocation of California mountain lion

A mountain lion was safely relocated after being found in a tree in a Tustin neighborhood, showcasing cooperation among local authorities.
morepublic-safety
#special-educational-needs

Psychologist shortage is hampering special needs support and intervention | Letters

Local authorities are refusing special educational needs funding, leading to inequitable access to support for children with educational needs.

Special needs funding claims in English schools increasingly being refused'

Councils are increasingly denying additional funding for special educational needs unless supported by legal documents like EHCPs.

Fix SEN funding to avoid absurd' council deficits in England, IFS says

Council deficits in England for special educational needs could exceed £8 billion without radical reform.

Psychologist shortage is hampering special needs support and intervention | Letters

Local authorities are refusing special educational needs funding, leading to inequitable access to support for children with educational needs.

Special needs funding claims in English schools increasingly being refused'

Councils are increasingly denying additional funding for special educational needs unless supported by legal documents like EHCPs.

Fix SEN funding to avoid absurd' council deficits in England, IFS says

Council deficits in England for special educational needs could exceed £8 billion without radical reform.
morespecial-educational-needs

Planning reforms will end development chaos, says Rayner

The overhaul of planning rules aims to streamline housing development by empowering local officers, addressing land use conflicts, and increasing new home construction.
#tourism-tax

Wales pushes ahead with tourism tax plans

Wales is proposing a visitor levy to fund tourism sustainability, but concerns about job impacts have arisen.

Overnight visitors to Wales could pay tourism tax', Welsh government announces

Wales may implement a tourism tax, allowing local authorities to decide, aimed at sharing infrastructure costs with visitors.

Wales pushes ahead with tourism tax plans

Wales is proposing a visitor levy to fund tourism sustainability, but concerns about job impacts have arisen.

Overnight visitors to Wales could pay tourism tax', Welsh government announces

Wales may implement a tourism tax, allowing local authorities to decide, aimed at sharing infrastructure costs with visitors.
moretourism-tax
#urban-development

FOI requests show the vast majority of UK data center applications are approved

The UK government is facilitating data center development, with high approval rates for applications in cities.

Fianna Fail pledge new 250m fund to convert unused land into parks and pitches

Fianna Fáil launched a fund to enhance urban recreation and sports amenities in Dublin and promote socio-economic inclusivity.
Fine Gael announced a comprehensive strategy to reinvigorate rural areas with significant financial support and community initiatives.

FOI requests show the vast majority of UK data center applications are approved

The UK government is facilitating data center development, with high approval rates for applications in cities.

Fianna Fail pledge new 250m fund to convert unused land into parks and pitches

Fianna Fáil launched a fund to enhance urban recreation and sports amenities in Dublin and promote socio-economic inclusivity.
Fine Gael announced a comprehensive strategy to reinvigorate rural areas with significant financial support and community initiatives.
moreurban-development

Sadiq Khan could be considering a tourist tax for London

London is considering a potential tourist tax similar to those in other cities, as Mayor Sadiq Khan examines evidence from various locations.

Justice Department demands records from Illinois sheriff after July killing of Black woman

The U.S. Justice Department is investigating the treatment of Black residents and those with disabilities by local authorities following a fatal police shooting.

Number of reported potholes in England increases 40% - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

Pothole reports in England surged by 40% year-on-year, costing drivers nearly £500m in repairs.
Suffolk is identified as the area worst affected, with a 180% increase in pothole reports.

Owner of illegal tattoo studios in Croydon fined nearly 7,000

Mr. Brown was fined nearly £7,000 for operating unlicensed tattoo studios, highlighting the importance of compliance with local licensing regulations.

Warning about 'risks of BBLs' after companies banned from conducting procedures

Non-surgical Brazilian Butt Lifts can carry significant health risks, leading to hospitalisation and serious complications.

When Accountability Fades: The Toxic Reality Facing Bramley and Beyond

Bramley highlights a concerning trend of accountability evasion amidst ecological crises and corporate negligence.
#transport-policy

Labour's plan for buses explained as local authorities to take control'

Local authorities in the UK will soon have greater powers to control and operate bus services, reversing years of deregulation.

Louise Haigh says she will support local 20mph speed limits

Transport Secretary Haigh supports local authorities' 20mph limits despite 70% public opposition, urging a shift from previous controversial policies.

Labour's plan for buses explained as local authorities to take control'

Local authorities in the UK will soon have greater powers to control and operate bus services, reversing years of deregulation.

Louise Haigh says she will support local 20mph speed limits

Transport Secretary Haigh supports local authorities' 20mph limits despite 70% public opposition, urging a shift from previous controversial policies.
moretransport-policy

Havering is London's cheapest borough for new build homes - study

Havering offers the most affordable new build housing in London, with a median price of £298,750.

Revealed: The counties with the highest rate of parking fines last year after councils increased traffic wardens

Significant increase in parking fines in Ireland in 2023 generates over €14 million for local councils.

Councils' 54m public liability bill mostly for 'slips, trips and falls', with cases settled last year up by 30pc

Local authorities face rising costs due to increased slip and fall claims, but insurance reforms may eventually reduce both claims and payouts.

Thousands targeted with phishing emails after cyber attack on Greater Manchester councils

A major cyber attack on Greater Manchester councils highlights significant risks local authorities face, particularly related to supply chain vulnerabilities.

Councils staggeringly 'unprepared' for Biodiversity Net Gain law roll-out

Only five local authorities in England have landowner Section 106 agreement templates for Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) sites.

The children offered first primary school choice in north London

Over 98% of London children received a place in one of their preferred schools for the upcoming school year.

When is the deadline to register to vote in the local and London mayoral elections?

The deadline to register to vote in upcoming elections is fast approaching, with millions potentially missing from the voter register.
#council-tax

Average council tax to rise by 100' as local authorities seek to collect extra 2bn

Council tax is likely to increase by the maximum amount possible as local authorities hope to boost their finances.
Increasing council tax could disproportionately impact poorer households.

Local authority leaders criticise Sunak's call for restrained' council tax rises

Council leaders criticize Rishi Sunak for demanding restraint in council tax rises, blaming government underfunding.
Prime Minister calls on local councils to be respectful of people's budgets while some councils are requesting permission to raise taxes by more than 5%.

Mapped: How much council tax will rise in your area this year

Council tax bill will rise by 106 this year on average for a Band D property in England.
Councils are struggling to provide frontline services and are facing funding challenges despite recent boosts.

Council Tax Calculator: How much will bills rise in my area?

Council tax bill to rise by 106 on average this year
Local authorities protecting frontline services through tax increase

Average council tax to rise by 100' as local authorities seek to collect extra 2bn

Council tax is likely to increase by the maximum amount possible as local authorities hope to boost their finances.
Increasing council tax could disproportionately impact poorer households.

Local authority leaders criticise Sunak's call for restrained' council tax rises

Council leaders criticize Rishi Sunak for demanding restraint in council tax rises, blaming government underfunding.
Prime Minister calls on local councils to be respectful of people's budgets while some councils are requesting permission to raise taxes by more than 5%.

Mapped: How much council tax will rise in your area this year

Council tax bill will rise by 106 this year on average for a Band D property in England.
Councils are struggling to provide frontline services and are facing funding challenges despite recent boosts.

Council Tax Calculator: How much will bills rise in my area?

Council tax bill to rise by 106 on average this year
Local authorities protecting frontline services through tax increase
morecouncil-tax

Drug deaths riseby 80% in 10 years as services are cut back to the bone

MPs warn about the impact of cuts to local authorities on drug-related deaths
Annual spending on drug and alcohol treatment services has fallen by 40%

Penury and decay mark Brexit's miserable anniversary | William Keegan

Brexit has resulted in the UK facing trade barriers and a squeeze on public spending, while the government prioritizes tax cuts over relief for local authorities.
The reduction in central government grants to councils is to blame for their financial struggles, not supposed profligacy.

4 in 10 authorities unsure or fearful about government childcare policy rollout

Nearly half of local authorities fear they will not be able to roll out the government's expanded childcare policy in April.
Almost nine in ten local authorities in England think a lack of staff in the sector will be an obstacle to extending free childcare.

Mapped: Areas in the UK with the most smokers as plans for generational ban unveiled

Mid Devon, Hastings, and Lincoln have the highest prevalence of smoking in the UK.
London borough Richmond upon Thames has the lowest number of adult smokers in England.

Councils to get more power in devolution revolution', says Angela Rayner

Angela Rayner pledges more power to local authorities through devolution revolution.

Supreme Court says ban on homeless camping does not violate Constitution

The Supreme Court rejected a constitutional challenge to anti-camping laws banning homeless people from sleeping in public spaces.
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