Welcome to firstonline. We hope you find it informative and accessible. It's the fastest way to get the news and views that matter on the LGA and local government. The LGA's weekly first magazine is published here first, and there are also regular news updates plus a full archive of previous issues.

Highlights this week

  • Council leaders bid for improvement funding

    Ministers are 'minded to implement' LG Association proposals that would streamline national services for councils and help deliver savings.

    Added on: 26 August 2010

  • Online savings

    Local government can help boost the economy by encouraging residents to use the internet, writes Martha Lane Fox, UK digital champion.

    Added on: 29 July 2010
    Martha Lane Fox, UK digital champion

  • Focus on the North East

    Councils in the region are coming together to scrutinise the help and support available to veterans, writes Cllr Robin Todd.

    Added on: 29 July 2010
    Man on bench

  • Young blood

    Youth councils are holding local authorities’ services to account – and saving them money, writes Alex Delaney.

    Added on: 30 July 2010
    Youth council

  • A watching brief

    Scrutiny teams don’t have to be big to be effective, writes Cllr Alan Searing. With only two officers supporting scrutiny in our large authority, and in response to concerns about scrutiny’s effectiveness and impact, Hertfordshire county council decided to streamline its structure and processes.

    Added on: 30 July 2010
    Hertfordshire County Council Scrutiny Team

  • Police reform plans outlined

    Plans to introduce directly elected police commissioners could divert money away from frontline services, council leaders have warned.

    Added on: 29 July 2010
    Police - back of jacket

  

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