Local Government Chronicle
29 January 1998
View all stories from this issue.
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£1.7M TO CLEAR GLASGOW/STIRLING REORGANISATION LIABILITIES
Glasgow City Council will receive£1.3m and Stirling£369,000 to deal with capital liabilities arising from local g... -
£1M FOR FLOOD PREVENTION IN RENFREWSHIRE
Flood prevention in Renfrewshire will benefit from an additional£1m capital allocation this year, Scottish local g... -
£30M TO RAISE STANDARDS IN WELSH SCHOOLS
Welsh education einister Peter Hain has announced£30m to help schools and local authorities to raise standards in ... -
£3BN SPENDING PACKAGE FOR WELSH LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Welsh secretary Ron Davies has announced his final decisions on local government revenue spending for 1998-99. ... -
£562M EDUCATION BILL FORCED ON COUNCIL TAXPAYERS: LIBDEMS
New figures revealed today by Paul Burstow, Liberal Democrat local government spokesman, show a£562.9m gap in gove... -
50 SCHEMES GET£1M TO PILOT OUT-OF-SCHOOL-HOURS PROJECTS
Homework clubs, family learning schemes, mentoring programmes and a literary luncheon club are among 50 pilot proje... -
ABATTOIR HYGIENE SCORES MADE PUBLIC FOR FIRST TIME
The names and hygiene scores of over 1,300 abattoirs and cutting ... -
ABATTOIRS ARE WARNED NOT TO HARASS INSPECTORS
The government has revealed that one in 20 abattoirs scored poor hygiene marks in the first public 'naming and sham... -
ACTING CAMBRIDGESHIRE SOCIAL SERVICES DIRECTOR MOVES ON
Brian Waller, who took charge on a temporary basis, of Cambridgeshire's social services department after the most t... -
AGENDA 2000 - PREPARING FOR NEW PROGRAMMES (COSLA CONFERENCE)
The future of European structural funds comes under examination this week at a major COSLA conference in Edinburgh.... -
AIR TRAFFIC EXPERTS FEAR MAJOR DISASTER
A Mirror investigation (p13) claims Britain is heading for a major air disaster as the present air traffic control ... -
AIRLINES CHALLENGE AIRPORT NOISE CURBS
The government is being taken to court by the world's biggest airline companies over its plans to cut airport noise... -
APPEAL COURT BID BY BURY OVER CONTRACT RETENDERING ORDER
A local authority charged with 'uncompetitive conduct' after awarding a£10m waste collection contract to its in-ho... -
APPEAL COURT RULES ON HAMPSHIRE CUSTODY CASE
court ref no: LTA 97/6979/J ... -
APPEAL RULING OVER 'UNUSUAL' CHILD CUSTODY CASE
court ref no: CCFMF 98/0042/F ... -
ARCHITECTS CALL FOR AGENCY TO OVERSEE BROWNFIELD SITES
The Royal Institute of British Architects is calling on the government to identify and develop brownfield sites. RI... -
ARMSTRONG TO ADDRESS PRIVATE SECTOR-ORGANISED BEST VALUE CONF
Over 200 delegates - mainly local authority chief executives, directors and senior managers - have registered for a... -
ASSEMBLY BILL AMENDMENTS TO TEST PLANS FOR LOCAL POWER
The government is expected to be tested in the House of Commons in the next couple of weeks on the powers it intend... -
BAILED OFFICER COMMITS SUICIDE
Neil Bogle, senior environmental health officer with Fife Council and a former president of the Royal Environmental... -
BED TAX FOR HOTELS IS ON THE AGENDA
The department of the environment, transport and the regions is planning to consult with councils and businesses on... -
BEEF ON BONE CLARIFICATION WILL HELP SAYS CIEH
Government clarification of the Beef on the Bone Regulations is extremely welcome and will enable local authorities... -
BIASED BONUS LACKS PRODUCTIVITY LINK
Most council bonus schemes discriminate against women and many are not linked to productivity, a new survey shows.... -
BILL TO GIVE COUNCILS POWERS FOR RESIDENTIAL STREETS
Home zones - residential streets with low speed limits and priority for pedestrians - are the aim of the Bill prese... -
BIN CENTRAL FUNDING, SAYS ASHDOWN
Central government funding of councils should be drastically reduced or abolished, Liberal Democrat leader Paddy As... -
BIRD AS MAYOR OF LONDON
The Independent (p21) carries an interview with John Bird, founder of The Big Issue magazine for the homeless. Bird... -
BIRMINGHAM TOWN HALL LOTTERY BID 'JUST WASN'T GOOD ENOUGH'
A member of the Arts Council which turned down a£14.6m lottery bid for a revamp of Birmingham town hall said the b... -
BIRMINGHAM/OFSTED BATTLE TO RESUME THIS THURSDAY
The next stage in the battle between Birmingham's education authority and Ofsted is set to take place on Thursday, ... -
BLAIR OFFERS VISION OF REFORM
Prime minister Tony Blair is planning to deliver his definitive statement on local government reform when he addres... -
BUSINESS LEADER BACKS NORTHERN ASSEMBLY
Regional self-government in north-east England has received the reluctant backing of a prominent businessman, repor... -
BYERS 'NAMES AND ACCLAIMS' AS 73 SCHOOLS CELEBRATE SUCCESS
School standards minister Stephen Byers threw a party on the terrace of the house of commons for 73 schools from ac... -
BYERS WELCOMES TEACHING IMPROVEMENTS
School standards minister Stephen Byers welcomed today's Annual Report of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools ... -
CALL ON COUNCILS TO ESTABLISH STRATEGIC PLANS FOR SPORT
Scottish sport minister Sam Galbraith has urged local councils to establish strategic plans for sport - to help dri... -
CARDIFF CHANGES ITS MIND OVER CITY HALL
Cardiff CC has decided to accept Welsh secretary Ron Davies's offer of£3.5m for city hall. The Western Mail (p1) r... -
CARDIFF HAS NO DIVINE RIGHT TO HOUSE ASSEMBLY
Cardiff realises it has no divine right to house the Welsh assembly, reports The Western Mail (p8). ... -
CARDIFF PLANS FOR EURO SUMMIT
Cardiff CC is spearheading a drive to make sure that Wales benefits as much as possible from the European summit to... -
CHIEF POLICE OFFICERS COMMENT ON AUDIT COMMISSION REPORT
Chief police officers, commenting on the publication of the Audit Commission 1996/7 Police Performance Indicators t... -
CHIEFS REJECT FORCED JOB TRAINING
Chief executives have rejected proposals for a compulsory scheme for professional development. ... -
CHILDCARE IS A CRUCIAL PART OF UK PRESIDENCY - HARMAN
Childcare is a crucial part of the agenda of promoting employability during the UK's presidency of the EU, Harriet ... -
CIPFA ANNOUNCES THIS YEAR'S FINAL EXAM RESULTS
The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy has announced the latest results of its final exams. From... -
'CITY-CENTRE APARTMENTS COULD SAVE COUNTRYSIDE' SAYS JRF
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation today announced plans to proceed with its first CASPAR development - City-centre Apa... -
CODE OF PRACTICE TO COMBAT AGE DISCRIMINATION - SMITH
Employment minister Andrew Smith has called on business to join with the government in a campaign to end unjustifie... -
CONWY CBC STAFF AGREE TO TAKE UNPAID LEAVE
More than 500 staff employed by Conwy CBC have made the unprecedented decision of taking unpaid holidays to save jo... -
'COOL BRITANNIA' COMES TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT
The government is encourage celebrities and high profile businessmen to stand as mayors across Britain, the Sunday ... -
COUNCIL CURFEW POWERS COULD FALL FOUL OF EUROPEAN LAWS
Government plans to impose blanket curfews on children under 10 are being threatened by the European Court in Stras... -
COUNCIL SNAGGED BY NEW HEDGEROW LAWS
Friends of the Earth has accused Carmarthenshire CC of breaking new hedgerow protection laws to build a new road, r... -
COUNCIL TAX REFERENDUMS RECEIVE SCOTTISH BACKING
The idea of referendums being held to approve council tax increases above government recommendations has won suppor... -
COUNCILS CAN KEEP GREEN TAXES
The Independent (p1) leads with what it calls a taxation revolution that is being plotted in the treasury. Deputy p... -
COUNCILS NOT RESOURCED ENOUGH TO DEAL WITH 2000 PROBLEM
The results of a survey published today found there is a high level of awareness in local government about the IT p... -
COUNCILS RESPOND TO FINAL RSG FIGURES
Local authorities across the country are responding to John Prescott's announcement of the final details of the gov... -
CUNNINGHAM REJECTS EHO CRITICISM OF 'UNWORKABLE' BEEF BAN
The rules banning the sale of beef on the bone are too confusing to be workable, according to environmental health ... -
DATE FOR NON-DOMESTIC RATES REVALUATION ANNOUNCED
The rates revaluation for non-domestic property will come into force on 1 April 2000, local government minister Hil... -
DECISION DEFERRED ON PUBLIC INQUIRY INTO THAMESLINK 2000
The secretary of state has decided to defer until 25 March the operative date when a decision must be taken on whet... -
DEFUSING THE MILLENNIUM TIME-BOMB: HSE PUBLISHES REPORT
Concern about the 'millennium computer bug' and its implications for safety-related computer control systems prompt... -
DEVON IS LET OFF 4,000 HOMES
A public inquiry has recommended to cut the number of homes Devon CC is expected to build over the next 13 years to... -
DINNER LADIES WIN A HELPING OF EQUALITY
School meal workers at Hartlepool and Redcar and Cleveland BCs have become some of the few part-time women in local... -
DTI BATTLES WITH TREASURY OVER MINIMUM WAGE
The Guardian (p23) covers a battle between the treasury and the department of trade and industry over whether there... -
DUDLEY SHORTLISTED FOR NATIONAL WELFARE TO WORK AWARD
Dudley MBC has beaten off competition to reach the shortlist of a national award for getting young people from welf... -
EDUCATION BILL AMENDMENT WITHDRAWAL ANGERS LGA TORIES
Local Government Association Tories believe education chair Graham Lane is mistaken in agreeing to withdraw amendme... -
ENHANCED ADVICE SERVICE FOR RISK MANAGERS LAUNCHED
The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) has announced improvements to its Risk Management... -
ENHANCED PENSION OF SACKED CRAVEN CHIEF EXECUTIVE ATTACKED
The enhanced pension of the sacked chief executive of Craven DC has been attacked by members, reported The Yorkshir... -
EPSOM DUST MEN SAVE THE DAY AT CRASH SITE
Staff from Epsom & Ewell BC's direct services organisation were first on the scene of a crash at West Hill Railway ... -
EURO CALL FOR GREATER ACCESS TO INTERNET BY SCHOOLS
A European commissioner has called for more steps to be taken to ensure all homes, schools and businesses have acce... -
EUROPEAN LOCAL POLITICIANS DISCUSS FUTURE OF REGIONAL AID
To mark the UK presidency of the European Union, the Local Government International Bureau is hosting a conference ... -
EX HEAD'S CHALLENGE TO SCHOOL'S SPECIAL MEASURES ORDER FAILS
The former headmaster of an inner city school failed in his high court ... -
FINAL SETTLEMENT FOR ENGLISH AUTHORITIES ANNOUNCED
Deputy prime minister John Prescott today announced the final decisions on central government support in 1998/99 fo... -
FIRST FOUR DESIGN, BUILD, FINANCE & OPERATE ROADS CONTRACTS
Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General ... -
FIRST 'PLAIN ENGLISH' GUIDE LAUNCHED FOR COUNCIL FINANCES
The first plain English guide to help council tax payers understand the way council finances are calculated has bee... -
FORMAL OPENING OF SOUTHALL RAIL ACCIDENT INQUIRY
The public hearings of evidence of the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) inquiry into the Southall rail accident w... -
FORMER HULL MAYOR COULD FACE CORRUPTION CHARGES
A senior Humberside councillor is under investigation for alleged corruption, reports The Guardian (p10). ... -
FRONT-RUNNERS FOR TOP SCOTS CIVIL SERVICE JOB EMERGE
Two front-runners for the post of permanent under-secretary of state for Scotland have emerged, reports the Scotsma... -
FTSE INDEX: 5327.9 UP 1.6 POINTS ON START OF DAY
FTSE INDEX: 5327.9 UP 1.6 POINTS ON START OF DAY... -
FTSE INDEX: 5375.5 UP 2.9 ON START OF DAY
FTSE INDEX: 5375.5 UP 2.9 ON START OF DAY... -
FTSE INDEX: 5422.9 UP 0.5 POINTS ON START OF DAY
FTSE INDEX: 5422.9 UP 0.5 POINTS ON START OF DAY... -
FTSE INDEX: 5577.2 DOWN 21.8 POINTS ON START OF DAY
FTSE INDEX: 5577.2 DOWN 21.8 POINTS ON START OF DAY... -
FTSE INDEX: 5608.1 UP 149.6 ON START OF DAY
FTSE INDEX: 5608.1 UP 149.6 ON START OF DAY... -
FTSE INDEX: 5610.4 DOWN 2.4 POINTS ON START OF DAY
FTSE INDEX: 5610.4 DOWN 2.4 POINTS ON START OF DAY... -
GIVE COUNCILS FLEXIBLE LEAD ROLE IN HOUSING DRIVE, SAYS LGA
Local Government Association head of environment and development Phil Swan interviewed for a BBC Radio 4 Today prog... -
GLASGOW CHIEFS ASK FOR EARLY RETIREMENT
John Anderson and Tom Monaghan, chief executive and depute chief executive of the beleaguered City of Glasgow Counc... -
GLASGOW LABOUR SPLIT OVER BID TO OUST LALLY
Efforts to oust Glasgow's lord provost, Pat Lally, could fall at the first hurdle, as the city council Labour group... -
GLASGOW LOOKS FOR NEW REGENERATION CHIEF
The Glasgow Regeneration Alliance is looking for an executive director who will be paid up to£70,000, reported The... -
GLASGOW MEMBERS SAY PARTY PASSING BUCK OVER PROVOST SACKINGS
Glasgow Labour members have criticised their own party for 'passing the buck' over the proposed suspension of the c... -
GLASGOW'S PROVOSTS SUSPENDED FROM THE LABOUR PARTY
Glasgow's Lord Provost Pat Lally and his deputy, Alex Mosson, have been suspended from the Labour party for 18 mont... -
GLASGOW'S SCHOOL CLOSURE PLAN UNDER SCRUTINY
The Herald (p11) investigates the row surrounding Glasgow City Council's school closures programme. ... -
GOVERNMENT BACKING FOR ROAD TRAFFIC REDUCTION BILL WELCOMED
Traffic campaigners have hailed as a 'major success' news that the government has given its backing to a Private Me... -
GOVERNMENT BACKS REFERENDUMS ON COUNCIL TAX
A shake-up in local government finance will be unveiled by deputy prime minister John Prescott within weeks, and vo... -
GOVERNMENT OPPOSES ANTI-AGE DISCRIMINATION LEGISLATION
The government is opposed to the second reading of a private members bill which seeks to prevent discrimination aga... -
GOVERNMENT PRESS RELEASES ISSUED 27 & 28 JANUARY
If you require press releases not found on LGCnet, contact the news room on 0171 833 7324/5. ... -
GOVERNMENT PRESS RELEASES ISSUED FRIDAY 30 JANUARY
If you require press releases not found on LGCnet, contact the news room on 0171 833 7324/5. ... -
GOVERNMENT PRESS RELEASES ISSUED MONDAY 2 FEBRUARY
If you require press releases not found on LGCnet, contact the news room on 0171 833 7324/5. ... -
GOVERNMENT PRESS RELEASES ISSUED THURSDAY 29 JANUARY
If you require news releases not found on LGCnet, contact the news room on 0171 833 7324/5. ... -
GOVERNMENT PRESS RELEASES ISSUED TUESDAY 3 FEBRUARY
If you require press releases not found on LGCnet, contact the news room on 0171 833 7324/5. ... -
GOVT URGED TO 'STRENGTHEN DEMOCRACY' OF REGIONAL PLANS
The government is being urged to 'strengthen the democratic as well as the economic base' of its plans for the firs... -
GREEN BELT FEARS ARE UNFOUNDED
Junior environment minister Baroness Hayman has dismissed fears that the government's planning policies were threat... -
GRIFFITHS TACKLES UNFAIR CONTRACT TERMS
Another blow in the campaign to protect the public from unfair trading has been struck by the competition and consu... -
HACKNEY HIT SQUAD RENEWS ATTACK ON MANAGEMENT
The government's education hit squad at Hackney LBC has exposed major shortcomings in financial management, and has... -
HAGUE: 2/3S OF URBAN HOUSING SHOULD GO ON BROWNFIELD SITES
Two thirds of housing development in future should be on urban brownfield sites, Conservative leader William Hague ... -
HAYLER TELLS HOW TRIAL TOOK ITS TOLL
Former Westminster City Council housing officer Paul Hayler this week reveals how being implicated in the homes for... -
HEADS SEND BLUNKETT 'SHAME LIST' OF COUNCILS PLANNING CUTS
The head teachers' union has given a warning that efforts to improve school standards and cut class sizes are being... -
HIGH COURT REJECTS WESTMINSTER'S FUNDING REVIEW BID
The government has fought off a high court bid by Westminster City Council to block funding changes which stand to ... -
HIGH PRAISE FOR LANCASHIRE CC FROM AUDITOR
Lancashire CC leader John West has welcomed the district auditor's annual management letter which stated: ... -
HOME MINISTER LAUNCHES SCOTS FIRE SPENDING REVIEW
Fire service interests, including fire authorities as represented by ... -
HOME SECRETARY PLEDGE ON LONDON POLICE BILLS
Council tax payers in London face a 25 per cent increase in the cost of paying for policing in the capital after ho... -
HOSTILITIES CEASE FOR UNISON AND MPO
Historic enemies Unison and senior officers' union MPO have agreed to bury their differences and work together. ... -
HOUSING BENEFIT FRAUD ADVICE GIVEN
National Audit Office figures declare that housing benefit fraud may account for the loss of£905m each year. Howev... -
HULL IN JOINT VENTURE HOUSING COMPANY ROW
Chris Jarvis, an Independent Labour councillor on Hull City Council, is writing to the district auditor asking for ... -
HUNG LONDON COUNCIL TRANSFERS HOUSING STOCK
Housing minister Hilary Armstrong today gave the go ahead for the transfer of 8,200 homes from Bexley LBC to two ho... -
IMPROVED SCHOOLS GIVEN CREDIT BY GOVERNMENT
School heads from 73 schools which were once labelled as failures will be given a house of commons reception today ... -
IMPROVED TEACHER APPRAISALS WILL STRENGTHEN STANDARDS
Schools minister Estelle Morris has announced new arrangements for teacher appraisals which will enable teachers to... -
INDEPENDENT COMMISSION UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY & CHALLENGE: COSLA
The Independent Commission presents a unique opportunity and challenge for local government COSLA chief executive D... -
INDICATORS QUESTION LINK BETWEEN POLICE FUNDING & PERFORMANCE
Many police forces have made significant improvements in key aspects of policing but considerable variations remain... -
IT'S YOUR ENVIRONMENT - SO HAVE YOUR SAY, SAYS PRESCOTT
Deputy prime minister John Prescott today launched a national debate to ask people how we can all make Britain gree... -
JACKSON REFUSES TO DECLARE HER MAYORAL INTENTIONS
Glenda Jackson has told The Guardian 'it's much too soon' to declare whether she's interested in the job for London... -
JOB EVALUATION UNDER SCRUTINY
West Midlands personnel chiefs are struggling to find support for an independent report on job evaluation schemes.... -
JOSPIN WINS PUBLIC-SECTOR PAY DEAL
The Financial Times (p2) reports from France where the outlines of a deal have been reached between the government ... -
JUDGE REFUSES CHALLENGE TO STAFF CC'S GRANT DECISION
court ref no: CO/3196/97 ... -
KEY CENSUS STATISTICS FOR CITIES AND TOWNS
A selection of 140 key statistics for every town and city in England ... -
KEY ROLE FOR SCOTLAND IN EUROPEAN CHANGES - CALUM MACDONALD
Scotland will have a distinct voice in discussions to bring improved benefits from Europe, Scottish local governmen... -
LABOUR RENEGE ON SCHOOL LEAGUE TABLES PLEDGE SAY TORIES
Commenting on the primary school league tables, shadow education secretary Stephen Dorrell said: ... -
LABOUR SET ON LOCAL SERVICE CUTS SAY LIB DEMS
David Williams, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on the Local Government Association has criticised the local g... -
LALLY CONSIDERS LEGAL CHALLENGE TO LABOUR BAN
Pat Lally, lord provost of Glasgow City Council, told BBC Radio Four's Today programme this morning the Labour part... -
LANCASHIRE CC LOBBIES SOCIAL SECURITY MINISTER OVER BENEFITS
Lancashire CC played played host to social security minister Keith Bradley when he visited the council's welfare ri... -
LEAK PROMPTS ANGER OVER LGA LOBBYING
Local Government Association chairman Sir Jeremy Beecham has been challenged to justify the LGA's 'softly, softly' ... -
LEEDS IS FIRST TO USE NEW EVICTION LAW
Leeds City Council has become the first to invoke new housing legislation allowing it to seek an unjunction to arre... -
LEICESTER CITY FC CONSIDERS NEW STADIUM
Leicester City Football Club said it was considering building a new stadium following strong growth in the club's c... -
LEICESTER IN BID TO FUND BLUNDER
Leicester City Council has applied for Lottery cash to rebuild a Victorian garden it bulldozed by mistake. ... -
LGA CHECKLIST OF CIRCULARS 4/98
Information sent to LGA member authorities the week ending Friday 30 January ... -
LGA LIB DEMS SEEK ASSURANCES OVER MILLENNIUM FUNDS
Where will Millennium money go after 2000? ... -
LGA MUST OPPOSE CAPPING SAY LIB DEMS
At the Local Government Association's policy & strategy committee meeting on Thursday, Liberal Democrat councillors... -
LGA STRESSES POSITIVE AGENDA FOR REVITALISING TOWNS & CITIES
In a letter to deputy prime minister John Prescott, chair of the LGA's planning committee, Nicky Gavron, stressed t... -
LIB DEMS ASK: TORY SPENDING PLANS OR DECENT LOCAL SERVICES?
Labour MPs face a stark choice between supporting the government's adherence to Conservative spending plans and del... -
LIB DEMS WIN LGA GUARANTEES ON SCHOOLS BILL
Liberal Democrat councillors have won a commitment from the Labour leadership of the LGA's policy & strategy commit... -
LIB DEMS: REFERENDUM CALL 'A SMOKESCREEN' FOR COUNCIL CUTS
Reports suggesting that the government is to introduce compulsory ... -
LIVERPOOL LEADER 'TRIED TO BUY VOTES'
The Labour leader of Liverpool City Council was yesterday accused by opposition councillors of trying to buy votes ... -
LOCAL AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET RATES, 9AM 2 FEBRUARY
Local authority money market rates supplied by City Deposit Brokers ... -
LOCAL AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET RATES, 9AM 28 JANUARY
Local authority money market rates supplied by City Deposit Brokers ... -
LOCAL AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET RATES, 9AM 29 JANUARY
Local authority money market rates supplied by City Deposit Brokers ... -
LOCAL AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET RATES, 9AM 3 FEBRUARY
Local authority money market rates supplied by City Deposit Brokers ... -
LOCAL AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET RATES, 9AM 30 JANUARY
Local authority money market rates supplied by City Deposit Brokers ... -
LOCAL AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET RATES, 9AM 4 FEBRUARY
Local authority money market rates supplied by City Deposit Brokers ... -
LOCAL POLITICIANS ASSERT ROLE OF LOCAL COMMUNITIES IN EUROPE
The conference Structural Policy and Agenda 2000: the Local and Regional Perspective will be held in The Guildhall,... -
LONDON MAYOR 'YES' BODY SET UP
A 16-strong committee to oversee the 'yes' campaign in May's London mayor referendum is to be announced 'shortly'.... -
MAJOR HOUSEBUILDER TO INCREASE URBAN BUILDING
One of the leading UK housebuilders is to plan more projects in urban areas following the government's suggestion t... -
MEACHER OUTLINES PLANS TO CONSULT PUBLIC ON ENVIRONMENT
The government is sending out questionnaires to test public opinion about issues such as an integrated transport sy... -
MIDLAND SOC SVS CHIEF HEADS NATIONAL HELP FOR ELDERLY SCHEME
Wolverhampton MBC social services director Martin Shreeve has been appointed programme director for the government-... -
MILLENIUM PARTY GUIDE PUBLISHED
Culture secretary Chris Smith has issued guidance to councils to make their millennium celebrations as inclusive as... -
MILTON KEYNES COULD BUILD 80,000 NEW HOMES
There is to be an emergency meeting of Milton Keynes Council today to discuss plans to double the size of the forme... -
MINISTER CALLS FOR MORE PARENTAL PARTICIPATION IN EDUCATION
Scottish education minister Brian Wilson described the participation of parents in education as a 'key element in r... -
MORAY CLEARED OF FINANCE FIDDLE
Repeated accusations of financial impropriety directed at Moray Council's SNP administration were found to be basel... -
MORAY COUNCILLORS WILL NOT FACE CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS
Crown Office has announced that there will be no criminal proceedings following the investigation of alleged expens... -
MORE LABOUR HINTS OF GREENFIELD TAX DETERRENT
The government seems set on raising taxes to stop developers building on greenfield sites, reports The Daily Telegr... -
MORE POLICE FUNDING FAILS TO REDUCE CRIME
Increasing police funding does not guarantee a better clear-up rate on crime, according to the latest performance r... -
MORE PRESSURE FOR LOW PAY LIKELY
Local government will come under even more pressure for a low pay settlement if the government pursues a tough two-... -
MORE TO BEST VALUE THAN ECONOMY AND EFFICIENCY, SAYS CIPFA
Best value must emphasise effectiveness and quality in the provision of services, in addition to economy and effici... -
NATIONAL CURRICULUM ASSESSMENTS OF 7, 11 & 14 YEAR OLDS
NATIONAL CURRICULUM ASSESSMENTS OF 7, 11 AND 14 YEAR OLDS BY LOCAL EDUCATION AUTHORITY, 1997 ... -
NEW FUNDING TO HELP ROUGH SLEEPERS NATIONWIDE
A further£1.5m is being earmarked to help 21 areas throughout England provide help for rough sleepers, housing min... -
NEW N IRELAND BODY PROPOSED
A new body for local government in Northern Ireland may be set up if nationalist councils give their support. ... -
NEW PUBLIC HEALTH TARGETS WILL REPLACE 'HEALTH OF THE NATION'
The Labour government will this week publish its long-awaited Green Paper on public health, and scrap most of the T... -
NEWCASTLE SAVES ITS TENANTS£140 IN FUEL BILLS
Newcastle City Council is in the final stages of entering into a partnership with Northern Electric to give city co... -
NO ROAD TOLLS IN LIFETIME OF CURRENT GOVERNMENT: BLAIR
The government has ruled out road tolls for raising cash for public transport in the lifetime of the current govern... -
NORTH YORKS FIRE AUTHORITY TO END NATURAL WASTAGE POLICY
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority yesterday effectively reversed a decision to eliminate seven unwanted pos... -
NURSERY PLACES FALL VICTIM TO SPENDING CUTS
Government spending limits are forcing some local authorities to close nursery schools despite the government's man... -
NUT WARNS PAY DEAL WILL HIT LABOUR'S EDUCATION PLEDGES
The National Union of Teachers warns a wage squeeze in the public sector pay settlement expected tomorrow could jeo... -
ODDS LENGTHEN ON CARDIFF AS ASSEMBLY HOME
Bookmakers have lengthened the odds on Cardiff being chosen as home to the national assembly following the publicat... -
OFSTED SAYS STANDARDS ARE UP
Ofsted published its annual reports today, with the chief inspector of schools Chris Woodhead reporting that standa... -
OLD TORY QUITS PARTY OVER AGE ROW
The Newcastle Journal reports (26 Jan, p2) allegations of ageism levelled at the Tory group at Newcastle City Counc... -
ONLY MINORITY OF HOMES FOR ELDERLY MAKE RELATIVES WELCOME
Only three out of 100 care homes for the elderly met standards set in a study of relationships among staff, residen... -
OVER 10% COUNCIL TAX INCREASE - TORIES WARN
Essex CC has blamed its 14.9% council tax rise on the government's failure to provide enough cash for schools, libr... -
OXFORD TRAFFIC VOLUMES 'RARE FOR CITY SO HISTORIC'
Few historic English towns allow large volumes of traffic into their centre. ... -
PARTY FUNDING - GOVT AGREES TO AWAIT NEILL COMMITTEE REPORT
The government has agreed to a request from the Committee on Standards in Public Life to await the outcome of its i... -
'PAY AWARDS HAVE TO BE FAIR & AFFORDABLE': TREASURY MINISTER
In a wide ranging speech to the Chartered Institute of Bankers in ... -
POLICE FUNDING MUST BE A TWO WAY STREET: STRAW
Better police performance is not just a matter of pumping more money into the service, home secretary Jack Straw sa... -
PORTSMOUTH CITY SHARES MARINE SKILLS ACROSS EUROPE
A European research project aimed at promoting the provision of skills and training for workers in marine-related i... -
PRAISE FOR ROCHESTER'S MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
Mental health services provided by Rochdale MBC have won praise from the Mental Health Act Commission, an independe... -
PRESCOTT LAUNCHES GREEN CONSULTATION
A nationwide consultation on making Britain's development more environmentally sustainable will be launched by depu... -
PRESCOTT WELCOMES NEW ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE
Deputy prime minister John Prescott has likened the creation ... -
PROBLEMS FOR COUNCILS DEALING WITH NUISANCE NEIGHBOURS
A new report says local authorities are taking the wrong kind of action against nuisance neighbours, BBC Radio Four... -
PUBLIC BACKS PEDESTRIANISATION FOR WESTMINSTER'S SQUARES
The public has backed Westminster LBC's plans to increase pedestrianisation in Trafalgar Square and Parliament Squa... -
'RAGBAG' SPOILS GOVERNMENT'S PLANS FOR LONDON MAYOR
The government has been defeated, the Financial Times (p7) reports, over its London referendum plans by the house o... -
REAL GAINS BUT CHALLENGES AHEAD, SAYS OFSTED ANNUAL REPORT
School inspection in 1996/97 has produced clear evidence that more teachers are teaching more effectively, says H M... -
REGIONAL CHAMBERS IN PLACE BY YEAR END
Shadow regional chambers covering virtually the whole of England will be running this year. ... -
RELIGION BEING SQUEEZED OUT OF WELSH SCHOOLS
Religious education in Welsh schools is being squeezed out of the curriculum, reports The Western Mail (p6). ... -
RENTS & SERVICE CHARGES KEY ITEM IN FIGHTING POVERTY: CIH
Social housing tenants may not get the best deal from their landlords unless a coherent rents, service charges and ... -
RESTORE SPENDING ON BOOKS TO STIMULATE READING, SAYS UNION
The Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) welcomed the launch today of the National Year of Reading by educat... -
RICS WELCOMES BUSINESS RATES REVALUATION
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) welcomes the government's announcement of a new non-domestic ra... -
ROCHDALE IS EXAMPLE OF NURSING EXCELLENCE
The Manchester Evening News (28 Jan, p13) reported from Rochdale MBC where the town's nursing service has close lin... -
ROCHESTER SUES KENT FOR£2M
City of Rochester Council's fight to recover£2 million it claims it is owed by Kent CC has reached the High Court.... -
RON DAVIES MEETS WLGA DELEGATION
Welsh secretary Ron Davies yesterday met a delegation drawn from three South Wales valleys authorities on the Welsh... -
SAVINGS FROM PRIVATELY FINANCED ROADS 40% BELOW TARGET
A report published by the national audit office (see LGCnet 'First Four Design, Build, Finance & Operate Roads Cont... -
SCHOOL PERFORMANCE PART OF NATION-WIDE PECKING ORDER
In the first of a three-part series, the Observer examined the widening gap between the best and worst of schools (... -
SCHOOL TEACHERS' REVIEW BODY RECOMMENDATIONS
Education and employment secretary David Blunkett has confirmed ... -
SCHOOLS RESEARCH SUGGESTS GOOD/BAD CATEGORIES 'MEANINGLESS'
The Times (p37) reports from Hampshire LEA where research has been conducted that suggests that it is often meaning... -
SCHOOLS TO GET£1,000 EACH FOR NEW BOOKS
Education and employment secretary David Blunkett today launched the ... -
SCOTLAND TO BENEFIT FROM NEW ELECTORAL SYSTEM
Scottish devolution minister Henry McLeish has hailed the new electoral system for the Scottish parliament as a his... -
SCOTS ADVISERS KEEN ON LOCAL RELATIONSHIP
The independent commission set up to advise on local government's role under a Scottish parliament will not be used... -
SCOTS MINISTER CALLS FOR BEST VALUE IN PLANNING PROCESS
Local authorities must sharpen up their operation of the planning system, Scottish planning minister Calum MacDonal... -
SCOTS MINISTER OUTLINES ROLE OF PFI IN LOCAL GOVT PROJECTS
A re-invigorated private finance initiative will help deliver public projects worth over£1bn, Scottish local gover... -
SCOTS OFFICE:£5M HOUSE REPAIRS BOOST FOR OLDER PEOPLE
Scottish housing minister Calum MacDonald has announced capital allocations of£5m to local authorities for the Car... -
SHEFFIELD PICKS CSL FOR ONE OF LARGEST IT CONTRACTS
The Financial Times reports (p8) Sheffield City Council has awarded a£130m information technology and financial se... -
SOCIAL DIVISIONS MUST END - DONALD DEWAR
Donald Dewar today confirmed social exclusion as his number one social policy priority when he launched an assault ... -
SOCIAL SERVICES PUT NHS WINDFALL INTO PATIENT CARE
Social services departments have been putting an allocated£40m NHS 'winter crisis' windfall to good use across Bri... -
SOCIAL TRENDS REPORT: BRITAIN SPENDS LESS ON SOCIAL SECURITY
It is 25 years since Britain joined the European Union - then known ... -
SQUEEZE ON PUBLIC SECTOR IS UNDER THREAT
According to a report published by Incomes Data Services, the government will have great difficulty in maintaining ... -
STANDARDS LOWER AS KIDS GET OLDER REVEALS DfEE REPORT
A department for education and employment report seems to confirm what today's Ofsted report is saying about a decl... -
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: THE NEW COMMITMENT - LGA SEMINAR
Local government needs to find ways of integrating sustainable development principles into economic development wor... -
SWANSEA AND CARDIFF BATTLE IT OUT OVER ASSEMBLY
The Welsh Office has received 24 bids to house the Welsh assembly, but the main battle is between Swansea and Cardi... -
TEST CASE COULD LEAD TO MORE PAY CLAIMS FROM SUPPLY TEACHERS
Councils could be forced to make extra pay-outs to supply teachers who claim they have been underpaid, following a ... -
THE GOVERNMENT'S PROPOSALS FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES
1.0Introduction ... -
THE LISTENING GOVERNMENT - PEOPLE'S PANEL LAUNCHED
The government's commitment to giving people more of a say in the way ... -
THREE WELSH COUNCILS COULD LOSE 600 JOBS
Blaenau Gwent, Merthyr and Neath Port Talbot CBCs are still hoping for a last-minute miracle over the size of their... -
TODAY IN PARLIAMENT, FRIDAY 30 JANUARY
The Road Traffic Reduction (UK Targets) Bill (2nd reading) will be debated by MPs. ... -
TODAY IN PARLIAMENT, MONDAY 2 FEBRUARY
Written answers are expected on: national curriculum assessment results for 7, 11 and 14 year olds; Thameslink 2000... -
TODAY IN PARLIAMENT, THURSDAY 29 JANUARY
A written answer is expected on reports and recommendations of the pay review bodies. ... -
TODAY IN PARLIAMENT, TUESDAY 3 FEBRUARY
Written answers are expected on: police grant 1998/99; changes to labour market statistics; consultation on sustain... -
TODAY IN PARLIAMENT, WEDNESDAY 28 JANUARY
The date for non-domestic rate revaluation in 2000 is due to be revealed. Other written answers will deal with the ... -
TODAY IN PARLIAMENT, WEDNESDAY 4 FEBRUARY
Children in local authority care and rural poverty are both subjects of backbench debates. ... -
TORFAEN IMPROVES CONSULTATION WITH COMMUNITY COUNCILS
COUNCIL IMPROVE CONSULTATION ... -
TORFAEN LEADER TO REPRESENT WALES IN EUROPE
Torfaen CBC leader Brian Smith has been confirmed by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office as one of only two full me... -
TORIES ATTACK COUNCIL FINANCE SETTLEMENT
The government has revealed that the revenue support grant will increase by 3.8%, and that capping limits will be r... -
TORIES BACK MAJOR FOR MAYOR OF LONDON
The Times (Jan 31, p1) reported that former prime minister John Major ... -
TORIES OPPOSE LABOUR'S URBAN HOUSE SPRAWL
The Conservatives have initiated a campaign against the government's housebuilding policies in an attempt to stem u... -
TUC BLOW FOR CARDIFF'S HOME BID
The Western Mail (p1) reports that the campaign to secure Cardiff as the home of the national assembly for Wales ye... -
TUC REPORT: RACE DISCRIMINATION IN WORKPLACE 'INTOLERABLE'
Race discrimination at work remains at intolerable levels, even though the Race Relations Act came into force 22 ye... -
UNCERTAINTY CONTINUES OVER UNIFORM BUSINESS RATE
Local government minister Hilary Armstrong's announcement that the rates revaluation of non-domestic properties in ... -
UNION SEEKS TALKS OVER LOSS OF 36 ESSEX FIRE FIGHTERS
Officials from the Fire Brigades Union in Essex have called for talks with the chief fire officer following the rub... -
UNIONS CALL FOR WAGE MATCH
Unions have repeated calls for employers to meet the earnings shortfall for council staff following new research sh... -
UNIONS CONDEMN PHASING OF TEACHERS' PAY
Commenting on the rumoured phased pay increase for teachers, National Union of Teachers general secretary Doug McAv... -
UNIONS VENT ANGER AT 'EQUAL MISERY' PAY AWARDS
The Guardian (p2) covers the government's 'equal misery' formula on their staged annual public-sector pay rise. The... -
UNISON CALLS FOR 'BEST VALUE' EMPLOYMENT CODE
Unison today publishes its Best Employment Code to underpin best value in local government. The union believes that... -
UNISON CALLS FOR SUNDERLAND'S CHIEF'S SUSPENSION
Unison has called for the suspension of Sunderland City Council's chief executive because of a district auditor's i... -
UNISON CALLS FOR£150-A-WEEK MINIMUM PENSIONS
Compulsory second-tier pensions guaranteeing a weekly income of£150-a-week for all are the focus of UNISON's plans... -
UNISON LEGAL BID TO STOP DUNBARTONSHIRE MANAGEMENT REVIEW
The Herald (p3) reports from West Dunbartonshire Council where union leaders fear that councillors instigated a man... -
UNISON RAISES PFI FLAWS WITH CHANCELLOR
UNISON general secretary Rodney Bickerstaffe has met with chancellor Gordon Brown, chief secretary to the treasury ... -
UNISON WINDS UP EVIDENCE TO LOW PAY COMMISSION
UNISON, and the unions that formed it, led the compaign for a statutory national minimum wage for a quarter of a ce... -
USER-FRIENDLY CHARTER PLANNED FOR PARK HOME OWNERS
A new user-friendly charter for mobile home owners has been welcomed by housing minister Hilary Armstrong. ... -
UTTING ADMITS TO ABUSE FAILURES
Ignorance and denial lay behind the failure by statutory authorities to pick up widespread sexual abuse in council ... -
WARRINGTON BC HOSTS INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS EVENT
Within weeks of attaining unitary status, Warrington BC is to celebrate its ninth Business Connections at the end o... -
WELSH ASSEMBLY AND COUNCIL ELECTION DATES SET
Fears have been dispelled of confusion when Wales goes to the polls for next year's Welsh assembly election. ... -
WELSH CIH: BUILDING THE CASE FOR HOUSING
The Wales Branch of the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), which represents the housing profession in Wales, has... -
WELSH COUNCILS LEAD UK IN DEALING WITH FEUDING NEIGHBOURS
A new study by the National Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders shows that two-thirds of all Bri... -
WELSH FREE TO IGNORE OPEN TENDER PROCESS
Best value provisions in Wales leave councils free to ignore open tenders as a test of a service's competitiveness.... -
WELSH INITIATIVES TO ENCOURAGE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Welsh environment minister Win Griffiths has launched two initiatives to encourage local authorities to press ahead... -
WELSH SETTLEMENT THREATENS LGA SUBS
The Welsh Local Government Association was this week forced to intervene between three of its members and Welsh sec... -
WEST & S SUFFOLK COUNCILS POOL RESOURCES TO PROMOTE TOURISM
The year has got off to a flying start for tourism in the West and South of Suffolk with the publication of the 'He... -
WEST SUSSEX CC TAKES PRESCOTT TO COURT OVER EXTRA HOMES
West Sussex CC has won permission for a judicial review into a ... -
WESTMINSTER CHECKS PM'S KITCHEN FOR POSSIBLE PLANNING BREACH
Westminster planning officers have inspected prime minister Tony Blair's new kitchen in an investigation of possibl... -
WESTMINSTER TO LOSE OUT ON CASH
Westminster City Council has been refused leave to pursue a judicial review of the government's changes to the way ... -
WESTMINSTER'S LEGAL CHALLENGE OVER FINANCE SETTLEMENT FAILS
Westminster City Council yesterday failed in a high court challenge to the government's 1998-99 local authorities f... -
WILL TEACHERS LOSE PAY FOR MARKING EXAM PAPERS? ASK TORIES
In answer to questions raised about the national minimum wage in ... -
WILTSHIRE BANS VIOLENT MR PUNCH
Wiltshire CC is withdrawing all copies of a children's Punch and Judy book from its libraries following complaints ... -
WLGA: COUNCILS ARE A KEY PLAYER IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
The guidelines on preparing an effective Local Agenda 21 Strategy, launched by Welsh environment minister Win Griff... -
WOODHEAD INSPECTOR EXPLAINS SCHOOLS REPORT
Chief inspector of schools Chris Woodhead explains why he will continue 'naming and shaming' in an article he has w...
