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LGA
From the LGA Website
Copyright: (C) Local Government Association
LGA
Rank actions of bogus cabs prompt councils to act
People take their lives in their hands when they use unlicensed taxis, council leaders warned, as the LGA issued safety guidance to councils to help curb the use of these unsafe and illegal vehicles.
Thu, 21 Aug 2008 10:06:49 BST
Businesses must do more to reduce waste
Paul Bettison responds to the House of Lords Science Committee report on waste management.
Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:59:23 BST
LGA: 'fight poverty and pollution'
Council leaders are being urged to lobby their local MPs in support of an LGA campaign aimed at reducing carbon emissions, fuel poverty and energy bills.
Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:33:51 BST
Councils to join LGA climate change campaign
Council leaders have been urged to join the campaign for a national home insulation programme that would lift 500,000 people out of fuel poverty, cut £200 a year off the energy bills of 10 million households and reduce domestic carbon emissions by 20 per cent.
Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:33:02 BST
Making savings from the bottom up
As the price of food, fuel and clothing continues to climb, councils are launching a new drive to encourage mums and dads to switch to real nappies, and save themselves at least £200 a year.
Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:43:29 BST
Modern day Del Boys force call for law change
Changes to the law governing the activity of pedlars are needed to protect the public from fly by night traders and unsafe products, council leaders said today.
Mon, 18 Aug 2008 11:11:13 BST
Councils issue safety warnings as trampoline injuries jump
As many as 18,000 children could be injured while playing on trampolines over the summer, prompting local authorities to warn parents to follow safety guidelines closely.
Mon, 18 Aug 2008 11:10:22 BST
Town halls warn that Britain is becoming the 'obesity capital of the world'
The LGA sets out how obesity is affecting council services
Fri, 15 Aug 2008 16:58:17 BST
People left exposed by lap-dance legislation
Local people's views on lap-dancing clubs are going unheard and unheeded because of a loophole in the licensing laws, council leaders will warn today.
Fri, 15 Aug 2008 10:41:07 BST
Death of Sandy Bruce-Lockhart mourned by politicians from all parties
Responding to the sad news of the death of the former Chairman of the Local Government Association, Sandy Bruce-Lockhart, the current Chairman, Sir Simon Milton, said: "Local government will be a poorer place now that Sandy has passed away."
Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:25:42 BST
Former LGA chairman dies
Sandy Bruce-Lockhart, who stood down as chairman of the LGA last year, has died after a long battle against cancer.
Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:24:41 BST
Grate drain robbery could kill council leaders warn
Gangs of thieves which are taking advantage of record commodity prices by stealing thousands of drain covers are putting the public at risk by striking at night and leaving drainage systems exposed, council leaders warned today.
Thu, 14 Aug 2008 09:19:00 BST
Planning Bill loophole "will silence local people"
Hundreds of thousands of people will lose the right to complain about noise, pollution or disruption caused by the construction of major infrastructure projects under proposals set out in the Planning Bill, LACORS has warned.
Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:51:05 BST
It's bangers and cash as number of dumped cars plummets
New figures released today show that over the last four years councils across England have seen a 72 per cent drop in the number of abandoned vehicles being reported.
Tue, 12 Aug 2008 13:22:50 BST
Councils taking tough stance on underage knife sales
Commenting on Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker's call for a crackdown on the illegal sales of knives to under-18s, LACORS chairman Cllr Geoffrey Theobald OBE said: "Council trading standards teams are already taking a tough stance on shops selling knives to children and carry out regular checks to make sure retailers aren't breaking the law. Unfortunately there are clearly still a minority who are prepared to profit by selling knives to children."
Tue, 12 Aug 2008 13:00:34 BST
Councils crackdown on illegal knife sales
Council leaders have underlined their commitment to get tough on retailers who sell knives to children after a government minister launched a crackdown on the illegal sale of blades to under-18s.
Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:58:09 BST
Councils slam 'shocking lack of consultation' on new bail accommodation
A private company's 'shocking lack of consultation' with local authorities and residents about the siting of over a hundred of new supported bail accommodation in residential areas has caused widespread anger and alarm, council leaders will warn this week.
Mon, 11 Aug 2008 10:28:08 BST
Recycling rates rise
Cllr Paul Bettison responds to new recycling figures
Thu, 07 Aug 2008 16:09:29 BST
Market goes green
London's Whitechapel market is set to become the first market in the country to recycle 100% of the waste it generates.
Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:17:00 BST
Cutting through the green tape: the powers councils have to tackle climate change
There are numerous powers in existence which enable local authorities to effectively tackle climate change. But there is a lot of environmental legislation for local authorities to understand. This document aims to cut through some of this, by highlighting these powers, signposting the tools and resources councils can draw upon and offering some practical examples of those councils that have successfully utilised these powers.
Mon, 04 Aug 2008 10:23:43 BST
Fond farewell from Sir Simon Milton
Fond farewell from Sir Simon Milton chairman of the LGA
Mon, 04 Aug 2008 09:25:39 BST
Energy firms should pay £500 million to cut fuel poverty
Energy suppliers should be subjected to a £500 million annual charge to combat fuel poverty and cut carbon emissions, council leaders said today.
Thu, 31 Jul 2008 16:47:09 BST
CAA consultation launched
Council members and officers are being encouraged to have their say on the new inspection regime for local government and to help shape the process for the future.
Thu, 31 Jul 2008 13:18:21 BST
Elected police representatives would lead to buck passing instead of crime cutting
Council leaders have today written to the Home Secretary, Rt Hon Jacqui Smith MP, expressing 'serious concerns' over the proposals by the government to set up directly elected police representatives set out in the Policing Green Paper.
Thu, 31 Jul 2008 10:39:31 BST
IDeA executive director to stand down
Lucy de Groot, executive director of the Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA), has announced her intention to stand down after five years in the job.
Wed, 30 Jul 2008 15:49:07 BST
More planners needed, say MPs
The government must take urgent action to deal with the drastic shortage of planning officers, a group of MPs has said.
Wed, 30 Jul 2008 11:12:22 BST
A day in the life Cllr Marisa Heath (Con), Surrey county council
The best part of being a county councillor is that each day is different. Today I begin with a bit of my own work as a parliamentary officer before turning my attention to council duties.
Tue, 29 Jul 2008 09:36:27 BST
Local goes national
The LGA's annual conference takes place next week in Bournemouth. Karen Thornton previews the event and looks at the association's 'Putting people first' campaigns a key focus of the conference programme.
Tue, 29 Jul 2008 09:19:53 BST
Legal challenge to eco-towns
Council leaders are today calling for the Government to enter discussions about a new approach to environmentally friendly housing development. This follows publication of advice by leading lawyers arguing that the Government's current approach is open to serious legal challenge.
Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:41:24 BST
Increasing participation by local people is vital for a healthy democracy
Greater participation by people in the local political process is vital for a healthy democracy, and is the key theme of Votes and Voices, a collection of nine essays published jointly today by NCVO and the LGA.
Fri, 25 Jul 2008 09:37:12 BST
The power divine
Councils cannot expect central government to hand over more power if they are unable to communicate what they want, and how it will benefit the public,writes Dr Phyllis Starkey MP.
Thu, 24 Jul 2008 16:20:46 BST
'Report doesn't give full picture' - Have your say
A report which claims council chief executives are earning higher salaries but not improving results does not give the full picture, the LGA has said. Are council chief executives getting a fair wage for the job they do? Have your say.
Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:37:41 BST
LGA critical of police proposals - Have your say
Government plans to hand control of the police to directly elected local representatives could be a recipe for disaster, council leaders have warned. Who should be held accountable for local policing - councils, or elected mayors and directly elected representatives? Let us know what you think.
Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:36:03 BST
Councils caught between a rock and a hard place when using survellance powers
"Parliament clearly intended that councils should use these powers, and generally they are being used to respond to residents' complaints about fly tippers, rogue traders and those defrauding the council tax or housing benefit system."
Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:10:22 BST
Surveillance powers scrutinised
The chief surveillance commissioner has called on councils to improve the way they use the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (Ripa).
Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:07:41 BST
Public life for minority women
A Tower Hamlets councillor joined equality minister Barbara Follett at the launch this week of a new taskforce aiming to
Thu, 24 Jul 2008 14:50:13 BST
A third way?
The role of the third sector in delivering local services should not be exaggerated, says Tony Wright MP. An interesting thing has happened in the last few years. Where once we debated the relative roles of public and private sectors in delivering public services, now a third player has entered the scene unimaginatively titled the 'third sector'.
Thu, 24 Jul 2008 14:11:57 BST
LGA lobbying in July
News about LGA lobbying action on recycling targets, landfill, constitutional renewal and neighbourhood policing.
Thu, 24 Jul 2008 12:45:18 BST
Involving local people
Greater participation by people in the local political process is vital for a healthy democracy, and is the key theme of 'Votes
Thu, 24 Jul 2008 12:35:01 BST
Legal challenge to eco-towns
The government's approach to delivering up to 10 eco-towns may be unlawful, council leaders have warned. Lawyers John Steel QC and James Strachan were asked to look at the legal issues surrounding eco-town proposals to
Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:51:34 BST
Communication skills
A unique project is helping deliver free English language classes to isolated groups in Manchester, writes Cllr Basil Curley, city council executive member for adult services.
Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:34:59 BST
Summertime first
The print edition of <strong>first</strong> is taking a break during August. The next edition will be out on 6
Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:21:18 BST
New fire safety guidance
New national guidance aimed at cutting the 300,000 fires in residential properties which kill more than 300 people in the UK each year was published this week.<br><br>
Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:05:02 BST
Little help for baby boomers - report
Local authorities must do more to cater for Britain's increasingly elderly but independent population, according to a report by the Audit Commission.
Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:17:05 BST
Funds for free swimming
Councils have until 15 September to let the government know if they want a slice of a £140m fund set up to provide
Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:08:27 BST
Key green role for councils MPs
More than four in five MPs believe councils have a key role to play in tackling climate change and nearly 70% say their local authority is already taking positive action.
Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:02:49 BST
Police Green Paper could be a 'recipe for disaster'
LGA responds to the publication of the Police Green Paper.
Thu, 24 Jul 2008 09:42:35 BST
First look: Making a splash!
A group of seven and eight-year-olds helped retired diving
Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:20:24 BST
Shout it from the laptops
Telling people clearly what their council is doing is
Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:00:12 BST
Getting the message across
Edward Welsh, the LGA's programme director for media and
Wed, 23 Jul 2008 10:59:04 BST
Focus on Europe
The LGA's 'Small change, big difference' campaign encourages local government to do more to combat climate change. Helen Jackson looks at how the LGA has been influencing the debate in Europe.
Wed, 23 Jul 2008 10:20:08 BST
LGA Executive - 17 July 2008
Agenda and minutes for the LGA Executive meeting on 17 July 2008.
Wed, 23 Jul 2008 09:07:30 BST
Audit Commission report on CEOs 'doesn't give full picture'
LGA response to publication of Audit Commission report on Chief Executive pay and recruitment.
Tue, 22 Jul 2008 09:58:42 BST
Regeneration and Transport Board - 22 July 2008
Agendas and minutes of Board meetings
Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:32:25 BST
MPs back more powers for councils to climate change
One in five Members of Parliament do not believe, or do not know whether, climate change is happening and can be directly attributed to greenhouse gas emissions resulting from human activity, according to a new opinion poll published today.
Mon, 21 Jul 2008 08:44:28 BST
Helping hands
Councillors can make a real difference to the lives of looked-after children by getting involved in their care and support, writes Jane Held, a special advisor on the Beacon awards.
Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:39:13 BST
84,000 council staff strike on second day of action
Figures from councils across the country have revealed support for the pay strike is falling.
Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:30:37 BST
LGA and CBI work together for better public services
Business and local government leaders have agreed a two-year programme to improve the way they deliver services to the public.
Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:19:54 BST
LGA response to report on Britain's ageing population
"Town halls have long been warning that the massive pressure of an ageing population will leave the nation woefully unprepared for giving elderly people care they expect and deserve as well as ensuring that they are able to access vital local services."
Thu, 17 Jul 2008 12:41:06 BST
'Pay offer remains final'
Council workers who staged a two-day strike over pay have been told the deal on the table remains the final offer.<br><br>
Thu, 17 Jul 2008 10:39:18 BST
Fire Sprinklers and Schools
This survey of local authority Children's Services departments and fire and rescue services is intended to identify existing practice and the barriers both real and perceived to the installation of fire suppression systems in schools. It also aims to identify early impacts of new guidance in this area.
Thu, 17 Jul 2008 10:33:15 BST
Buying care support
Councils piloting a new way of working out the costs of care support for adults with learning disabilities have made
Thu, 17 Jul 2008 09:44:53 BST
Planning reforms need refining
The LGA believes further changes are needed to the planning bill, currently going through Parliament, if it is to
Thu, 17 Jul 2008 09:39:58 BST
Post office guidance launched
Councils who want to help run local post office services now have a set of guidelines on how to go about it. Post Office Ltd has been encouraged by the government to look at how to respond to local authorities who want to save branches from closure.
Thu, 17 Jul 2008 09:33:11 BST
Less than a quarter of council staff set to strike - LGA survey
A snapshot survey of more than 150 councils has revealed that less than a quarter of local government workers are set to take part in strikes called by unions later this week.
Thu, 17 Jul 2008 09:13:00 BST
Pay offer remains the final offer
Local government employers today re-iterated that the offer on the table for this year's pay settlement remains the final offer.
Thu, 17 Jul 2008 09:12:01 BST
300,000 council workers on strike - LGA survey
Preliminary figures from councils affected by today's industrial action have revealed 300,000 workers are on strike.
Thu, 17 Jul 2008 09:11:01 BST
Only 611 schools closed by strike, according to LGA survey
611 schools closed by strike according to LGA survey
Thu, 17 Jul 2008 09:09:24 BST
Survey reveals 100,000 council workers strike
Comprehensive figures from across the country have revealed around 100,000 workers have taken part in today's strikes called by trade unions.
Thu, 17 Jul 2008 09:08:48 BST
Election for new LGA Chair as Sir Simon Milton offered new role with Mayor
Sir Simon Milton has announced his intention to step down as Chairman of the LGA
Thu, 17 Jul 2008 09:03:35 BST
LGA chairman to stand down
LGA chairman Sir Simon Milton has announced his intention to stand down from his post to join the London mayoral team full-time.
Thu, 17 Jul 2008 09:02:40 BST
On yer bike!
Last month, greater Bristol was chosen as England's first cycling city. Below, Karen Thornton looks at the key proposals. and Cllr Terry Cook explains the rationale behind the bid.
Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:59:14 BST
Grave matters
The first national online database for burial and cremation records has been launched. With money to be made, councils are being urged to sign up and reap the benefits, Alison Purdy reports.
Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:57:14 BST
Migration cash 'insufficient' for councils
Pressures on local public services have been left unfunded by central government because cash allocations are based on flawed data, according to a new report from MPs.
Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:39:54 BST
A day in the life - Cllr Roger Harrington (Lab), Leeds city council
I've always liked to get up early. I like time on my own before anyone else is about. Time, as a councillor, to read something that's nothing to do with the job. Some poetry, maybe. Or a play.
Wed, 16 Jul 2008 15:54:52 BST
Focus on Wales
Consensus continues at the Welsh Local Government Association following the shake-up from May's elections, writes Steve Thomas, WLGA chief executive.
Wed, 16 Jul 2008 15:41:58 BST
Counselling councils
The Resource Recovery Forum can help councils get to grips with waste management, says its director Kit Strange.
Wed, 16 Jul 2008 15:37:11 BST
My Council concept
The My Council concept was devised by Northamptonshire County Council and helped make it one of the most improved county councils in terms of how informed residents feel.
Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:02:27 BST
My Council research
The Local Government Association (LGA) commissioned TNS to conduct a survey with adults throughout England to test a series of posters for their 'My Council' campaign research. See the results of the survey here.
Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:01:35 BST
First look - Bloomin' marvellous!
A Mediterranean view created in flowers and plants by
Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:29:59 BST
Spend council rent on building and improving council housing
Up to £1 billion of council tenants' rent could be used to build thousands of new council homes and improve existing stock, according to a new report published today.
Wed, 16 Jul 2008 08:58:28 BST
Tory call for double devolution
Councils should be willing to hand responsibilities to local community groups in the same way central government should devolve powers to local areas.
Fri, 11 Jul 2008 09:17:25 BST
Everyone a winner
There were more than 350 nominations and 41 finalists for the third council worker of the year awards 2008 the Oscars of the local government sector. Karen Thornton reports.
Fri, 11 Jul 2008 08:39:27 BST
LGA boosts tenants' rights
Council leaders and housing workers have won a parliamentary victory giving council tenants equal rights to other social housing tenants.
Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:16:13 BST
Tomorrow's service users
An ageing local government workforce could mean there will be no-one left to deliver vital services when the baby boomers retire. Councils need to develop effective workforce strategies now, writes Cllr Kevin Lynes.
Thu, 10 Jul 2008 11:39:49 BST
Tackling childhood obesity
Targets on reducing the number of overweight youngsters in primary schools have been adopted by 99 councils, as part of their newlook local area agreements signed off by ministers last month. Joanna Bale looks at work already going on in Barking and Dagenham.
Thu, 10 Jul 2008 11:11:08 BST
Licensing Act has no impact on drink-fuelled violence for most
A survey of police, the NHS and councils has found that most of them consider that the 2003 Licensing Act has made no impact on improving drink-fuelled disorder or late night violence. The research also found that the council taxpayer has been left to pick up a £100m bill for introducing the new scheme.
Thu, 10 Jul 2008 10:59:06 BST
Digging in
Councils need to consider more than just composting when reducing landfill waste, says Charlie Trousdell, of the Composting Association.
Thu, 10 Jul 2008 10:14:37 BST
Communities in Control: real people, real power - LGA briefing
This LGA on the day briefing contains our key messages and views on each key proposal and chapter of the Government White Paper published on 9 July.
Thu, 10 Jul 2008 08:58:22 BST
Council leaders respond to Local Government White Paper
Responding to publication of the Empowerment White Paper, LGA Chairman Sir Simon Milton said: "The White Paper represents the best that councils have to offer, recognising and endorsing the vital leadership role they have in involving local people and improving services for residents. It is good news that it recognises the central and unique role that councils have to play in reinvigorating local democracy."
Thu, 10 Jul 2008 08:56:38 BST
Making a place a home
How many houses make a place? Cllr Ian Swithenbank, chairman of the Improvement and Development Agency, looks at the support available to councils wanting to improve their strategic housing role.
Wed, 09 Jul 2008 17:16:14 BST
No place like...
Housing matters, because where we live is about much more than whether we have a warm, dry, secure place to sleep at night.
Wed, 09 Jul 2008 17:07:43 BST
Local area agreements - communicating local priorities
150 new local area agreements were signed off by ministers on 30 June 2008, setting out local improvement priorities for the next three years. CLG have now produced a guide for councils which provides useful background information on LAAs, as well as analysis on the top priorities nationally and regionally.
Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:05:51 BST
Focus on the North West
A new forum for the NorthWest, 4NW, has already been busy with a strategy to tackle homelessness in the region, writes its chief executive Phil Robinson.
Wed, 09 Jul 2008 15:25:16 BST
MPs to debate £500m annual charge on energy suppliers
A £500 million a year charge on energy suppliers to lift 500,000 people out of fuel poverty will be considered by MPs this week.
Wed, 09 Jul 2008 15:13:29 BST
A day in the life Cllr Andy Stamp (Lib Dem), Medway council
I've just completed my first year as an opposition member of the council, and it's definitely been an enlightening 12 months. Representing 6,000 homes and 15,000 people in one of the most deprived areas of Medway, the casework load can sometimes get pretty heavy.
Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:16:15 BST
Combat climate change and fight fuel poverty by insulating every home - LGA
An action plan to ensure every home in the country is insulated would drastically cut carbon emissions, lift half a million people out of fuel poverty and slash household energy bills, according to a major new report published today.
Wed, 09 Jul 2008 10:53:51 BST
Improvement targets agreed
The launch of 150 new local area agreements (LAAs) marks a new era of freedom, flexibility and trust in local government, according to the LGA.
Fri, 04 Jul 2008 15:21:33 BST
Clegg: 'cash shake-up'
A total restructuring of local government finance is needed to set councils free from Whitehall control, Nick Clegg MP told the LGA's annual conference this week.
Fri, 04 Jul 2008 14:37:36 BST
LGA: 'More powers over local services'
Councils must take the lead on some of the most challenging issues of the day and be ready to take greater responsibility for local services.
Fri, 04 Jul 2008 14:34:24 BST
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