Local Government News

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

New proposals by NHSE pledge to give ICBs greater control over NHS contract activity. The further consultation on the NHS Standard Contract 2025/26 closes on 28 April. The consultation states: ‘The proposed changes give commissioners greater control in the management of activity based on a contract IAP.' Included in the changes are the option for ICBs to set an indicative activity plan (IAP) if none have been agreed within three months of service commencement.

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

Thirty-eight schools in London are set to benefit from £2.9m of City Hall funding to help them become more energy efficient, according to the Mayor of London. Launched in December, the Greener Schools pilot will enable schools to introduce energy-saving measures such as insulation, LED lights, solar panels and heat pumps. Since the launch of the pilot the mayor has leveraged a further £9.6m through boroughs delivering additional investment in efficiency measures.

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

Refuse collection workers in Birmingham have rejected the city council’s latest pay offer in long-running dispute. The trade union Unite argues the current pay offer will lead to pay cuts for workers that amount to £8,000 a year and could still affect the pay packets of 200 drivers. A spokesperson for Birmingham City Council said the union's decision was 'incredibly disappointing' adding that the offer was 'fair and reasonable'.

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

Lancashire County Council has hit back at claims by Nigel Farage that it is on the brink of bankruptcy. The Reform UK leader made the allegation on Wednesday while campaigning ahead of next month's local elections. A spokesperson for the council said the claim was ‘incorrect’. ‘In February the council set its annual budget which demonstrated that the council can fund all the services that it plans to deliver, with additional reserves of £250m available,’ they said.

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

Military planners have been called in to help tackle the backlog of rubbish in Birmingham that has built up during the ongoing strike. The month-long strike by members of Unite has left thousands of tonnes of uncollected rubbish on the streets. After a Government appeal to the Army, a small number of office-based planners will provide logistical support to help plan the clean up.