Local Government News

1 week ago | localgov.co.uk | William Eichler

The political proportionality of the Local Government Association (LGA) following the local elections has been confirmed. Labour remains the largest group with 35.9% although they are down from 38.8% and the Conservatives are second with 24.1% – a 7.3% drop. The Liberal Democrats secured 17% (up from 15.5%) followed by Independent (10.2%) and Reform (7.8%). The Green Party and Plaid Cymru secured 4.6% and 0.4% respectively.

1 week ago | localgov.co.uk | William Eichler

More scrutiny is needed to ensure that increasingly powerful mayors are held to account, think tank says. IPPR North warned that systems of accountability haven’t ‘kept pace’ with the growing power and autonomy of mayors. It proposed the establishment of independent, well-resourced Mayoral Authority Accountability Committees (MAACs) to improve scrutiny. The think tank characterised the proposed committees as ‘watchdogs with bite’.

1 week ago | localgov.co.uk | William Eichler

The cost of providing asylum accommodation between 2019 and 2029 is expected to triple to £15.3bn. Starting in 2019, the Home Office began to provide accommodation to those seeking asylum through seven contracts known as the Asylum Accommodation and Support Contracts (AASC). The AASC was initially estimated to cost £4.5bn over a 10-year term.

1 week ago | localgov.co.uk | Heather Jameson |Paul Marinko

Reform UK is expected to form a political group within the Local Government Association (LGA) after its landslide victory at the polls. Under LGA rules, political parties with 5% of its councillors after weighting by population and council type can form a group. Visit The MJ (£) to continue reading. As we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, Geoff Wild, Legal & Governance Consultant, looks at the duties of councils under the Armed Forces Covenant.

1 week ago | localgov.co.uk | Lee Peart

A blueprint document has set out changes to integrated care board (ICB) functions with a number being transferred to neighbourhood and regional providers. The document also advises ICBs to streamline Boards and reduce headcount. ICBs have been asked to submit plans by 30 May on how they intend to achieve a £18.76 operating cost envelope.