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SEND improvement plan to address ‘systemic failures’ | LocalGov

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

Bracknell Forest Council has set out plans to improve SEND provision including funding for extra staff. The plans, which were discussed at a meeting on 20 May, come after ‘systemic failures’ were identified in a CQC and Ofsted report.
Eddie Howe awarded Freedom of Newcastle

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

Newcastle City Council members have awarded the Freedom of Newcastle to Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe. The council decided to grant the city’s highest honour to Howe following the club’s historic Carabao Cup win over Liverpool in March at Wembley – the team’s first domestic trophy win for 70 years. The motion was put forward by council leader Karen Kilgour, a lifelong supporter and a season ticket holder at St James’ Park, 48 hours after the Wembley match concluded.
North Lincolnshire Council rejects ‘super council’ | LocalGov

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

North Lincolnshire Council has rejected proposals for local government reorganisation in Lincolnshire due to a ‘clear lack of support’ from residents. The Government proposed the creation of a single-tier, unitary authority – dubbed a ‘super council’ – for the county. North Lincolnshire Council says it has engaged in discussions with the local community, stakeholders, and town and parish councils and found there was no support for the overhaul.
Housing ombudsman raises alarm over 474% surge in repair complaints

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

The housing ombudsman has warned that ‘simmering anger’ at poor housing conditions could result in social unrest as his office reveals a dramatic increase in repair complaints. The ombudsman’s latest Spotlight report, titled Repairing Trust, has warned of a national crisis in the maintenance of England’s social housing stock. It found there had been a 474% increase in complaints concerning substandard living conditions in social housing between 2019-20 and 2024-25.
John Lewis wins approval for plan to build 430 homes

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

The John Lewis Partnership’s largest build-to-rent project has been given the go ahead in West London despite objections from the local council. The plans will see nearly 430 homes, including 83 affordable rented homes, delivered in towers up to 20 storeys high above a Waitrose supermarket in Ealing. Ealing Council objected to the proposed development on the grounds that there wasn’t enough affordable housing.
Government proposes easing environmental protections to boost housing

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

The Government has announced a raft of reforms aimed at easing planning regulations and environmental protections to support smaller housebuilders in England. Under the proposals, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements will be relaxed for smaller developments of up to nine homes and medium-sized sites of between 10 and 49 homes.
‘Skills revolution’ boosted with 120,000 training places | LocalGov

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

The Government has made available 120,000 new training opportunities to help young people develop skills in key areas such as social care. Billed as a ‘radical skills revolution’, the training is backed by a £3bn apprenticeship budget. Education secretary Bridget Phillipson said: ‘A skilled workforce is the key to steering the economy forward, and today we’re backing the next generation by giving young people more opportunities to learn a trade, earn a wage and achieve and thrive.’
AI ‘Humphrey’ to help councils cut costs

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

Twenty-five local authorities are trialling a new AI tool called ‘Minute’ to help speed up admin tasks in areas such as planning and social care. Part of the ‘Humphrey’ suite being rolled out across Whitehall, which was named after the fictional civil servant in the TV series Yes, Minister, ‘Minute’ is designed to make note taking easier across multiple different services.
Liverpool parade crash casts ‘dark shadow’, council leader says

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

The leader of Liverpool City Council has paid tribute to the emergency services after a car hit pedestrians in the city centre during the Premier League victory parade. Twenty-seven people were taken to hospital following the incident on Water Street and a further 20 were treated at the scene for minor injuries. A 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area has been arrested, according to Merseyside Police. The incident is currently not being treated as terrorism.
Council could slash one in 10 jobs

2 weeks ago | localgov.co.uk | Joe Lepper

More than one in ten jobs could be lost at Croydon LBC as it looks to tackle its £1.4bn debt. The council's debt stems from a combination of risky financial decisions, governance failures and external pressures. Visit The MJ (£) to continue reading. Christina McAnea, general secretary of UNISON, tells LocalGov.co.uk what the sector’s biggest union hopes to see from the next government.