Blears launches a ‘new era’ of LAAs
New streamlined performance indicators for town halls mark a ‘major cultural shift’ in the way councils are measured and in their relationship with Whitehall, the communities and local government secretary has said.
Developers to be given more upfront funding
Housing associations and other developers are to be offered a larger share of grants before they start building, in a move to revive the industry during the credit crunch.
Milton plans to improve councils’ image
Increasing local accountability for services and improving the fractious relationship between town halls and Whitehall could create an ‘upward curve’ in democracy, the Local Government Association’s chair told councillors this week.
Picture of health, by John Appleby
The NHS is not looking bad for 60, and — with the government rolling out a new ten-year plan – there’s plenty of life in the health care system yet. But, as ever, the big issues are all about funding, as John Appleby explains
