Post-16 education structure should be "radically slimmed down" councils say

LGA spotlight

• LGA Group launch 'Freedom to Lead' proposals

  Should the numerous inspectorates which assess public services in each area be merged into a single entity that could save taxpayers’ money and deliver better assessments of how services are delivered for local people? This is one of the questions that council leaders are being asked by the LGA Group as part of a consultation into the future of inspection and regulation.

  Added on: 29 January 2010
  

• Meet the press: improving the public understanding of social work - 1 March event

  This free conference will bring together Lead Members and Directors of Children's and Adult Services, council communications professionals and journalists to explore this issue.

  Added on: 22 December 2009
  

• CAA evaluation: a sector perspective on year 1

  The evaluation demonstrates that whilst CAA has not yet met the vision for it set out in the White Paper the new focus on outcomes has been helpful, reinforcing partnership working at local level.

  Added on: 26 January 2010
  

• Haiti earthquake

  Councils have been enquiring about how money raised in their local area through appeals and collections can be channelled to Haiti. The LGA recommends that donations are made to the Disasters Emergency Committee who have launched a high profile appeal in response to the Haiti earthquake. Banners are available for councils to use in their publicity material.

  Added on: 28 January 2010
  

• Winter weather briefing - 5 February 2010.

  Due to the unusually prolonged spell of cold weather from December 2009 into January, and the recent widespread snow, we are very closely monitoring the road salt stocks held by local authorities. Read more here.

  Added on: 5 February 2010
  

• Weathering the storm: dealing with adverse winter weather conditions in the UK

  Councils have been reviewing their winter service plans in the light of last year’s experience. This report results from that experience. It examines what happened, the extent of the impact on transport networks and implications for services and businesses. It also looks at how councils, central government, individuals and businesses responded, and makes recommendations for how we can be better prepared in the future.

  Added on: 30 October 2009