News from the Leader of the LGA Labour Group - 20 March 2018

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20 March 2018

Cllr Nick Forbes

News from the Leader of the LGA Labour Group

Cllr Nick Forbes
Leader of the LGA Labour Group

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Labour local government sets out it’s ambitions for ‘Day One’ of Labour government

The Local Government Association (LGA) Labour Group has set out an ambitious programme for a future Labour Government to ensure councils are properly funded to deliver real change for local communities: On Day One. You can read the publication here.

The publication outlines the damage caused by Tory austerity and sets out what is needed to address the funding gap. Cuts of almost 50% have been made to central government funding for councils between 2010 and 2018, and Tory-run Northamptonshire County Council issued a section 114 notice effectively declaring it was ‘bankrupt’. It also demands new freedoms for councils - including powers to build new council homes, open new schools, create a children’s centre in every community and a call for the next Labour government to invest heavily in early intervention and prevention.

Cllr Nick Forbes, the leader of the LGA Labour Group said: “If the next Labour government wants to deliver immediate and visible change for the many, not the few, then the fastest and most direct route lies through local government. Communities across the country are demanding change to fix the housing crisis and support young people. With sufficient funding and greater freedoms local councils can generate economic growth, build new homes and strengthen communities.”

The report has the backing of shadow communities and local government secretary Andrew Gwynne MP, who in a foreword to the report writes: “The future of our country cannot be formulated by politicians in Westminster, but needs to be built in partnership with local leaders and local people.”

‘On Day One’ is launched this evening in Committee Room 19 at the House of Commons, with contributions from Cllr Nick Forbes, Cllr Lib Peck, and Andrew Gwynne MP. To attend, please email hannah.lazell@local.gov.uk

News from Local Labour

Manchester Council has given a pay rise of 13% to care staff who help look after some of the city’s most vulnerable people. Unison has welcomed the ‘fantastic news’.

Stockport Council has announced plans to build a new primary school for children with special education needs.

Darlington Council leader Bill Dixon has welcomed the announcement of a new local business park that could create 3,000 local jobs.

Rokhsana Fiaz will be Labour’s candidate in the Newham Mayoral election after winning a selection run-off.

Jeremy Corbyn visited Carlisle Council last week to meet with council workers who had helped communities deal with the heavy snowfall of recent weeks.

A survey commissioned by GMB reveals that the public would like to see the government spend more on public services, and for more services to be brought back in-house.

Out on the campaign trail: we want your photos and will use the best for the LGA Labour Group Annual Report. They must be high resolution and you must have the permission of everyone in the picture. Please email to Lewis Addlington-Lee.

News from Wales

Merthyr Tydfil Labour group has put forward a plan to tackle ‘period poverty’ by supplying free sanitary products to local schools.

The South Wales Argus carries an interview with Welsh LGA leader Debbie Wilcox.

News from the Labour Party

Mike Amesbury MP writes about the damning National Audit Office report into council funding.

“If Ministers seriously don’t know why rough sleeping has risen then they don’t know how to fix the problem either.” – John Healey.

Andrew Gwynne says the Tory Government turned a blind eye on Northamptonshire County Council.

Imperative the Government acts now over Grenfell – Tony Lloyd.

Sue Hayman responds to Improving Air Quality report.

Barbara Keeley responds to new research from Independent Age.

News from the LGA

LGA responds to Gambling Commission report on FOBTS

Hospital admissions due to falls by older people set to reach nearly 1,000 a day

LGA responds to report on school funding pressures

LGA unveils vision for fire and rescue services with focus on workforce

LGA responds to Select Committee report on air quality

LGA responds to the Government Integration Strategy

Opposition Watch

Three Tory councillors were barred from voting on the council’s budget in Erewash after missing council tax payments.

Norfolk County Council’s Tory leader has branded some local Tory MPs as ‘also rans’, and accused Cabinet minister Liz Truss of ‘running Norfolk down’.

By-elections

By-election results from 8 March 2018
 
Redcar & Cleveland UA, Longbeck
Con 494 [32.7%]
LD 397 [26.3%]
Lab 337 [22.3%]
Ind 282 [18.7%]
Conservative gain from Independent

South Kesteven DC, Stamford St George
Con 309 [45.6%]
Ind 174 [25.7%]
Lab 114 [16.8%]
LD 68 [10.0%
Grn 13 [1.9%]
Conservative hold

South Kesteven DC, Stamford St Johns
Con 327 [39.4%]
Ind 267 [32.1%]
LD 156 [18.8%]
Lab 66 [7.9%]
Grn 15 [1.8%]
Conservative hold

By-elections taking place on 22 March 2018:
Bassetlaw DC, Worksop South East
Thurrock UA, Ockendon
Aylesbury Vale DC, Central and Walton
Chiltern DC, Ridgeway
Staffordshire Moorlands DC, Leek West
Cheshire East BC, Bunbury