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LGA analysis shows river pollution threat to housebuilding
Analysis of housebuilding patterns by the LGA shows that seven per cent of new homes built over the past three years would now not be permitted under rules issued by Natural England amid rising levels of river pollution caused by farming and water systems. In March, Natural England told councils that housing projects should be prohibited in areas where they will add pollution to rivers that already have high levels of nutrients. Cllr David Renard, the LGA’s environment spokesperson said: “It is concerning and frustrating that pollution levels in some rivers have reached a point to trigger bans on building around 20,000 new homes each year, over seven per cent of all England’s likely new house building. People need homes, schools and doctors’ surgeries, and people also need a safe and clean environment."
Telegraph: Rules to curb river pollution put brake on housebuilding targets
Cllr Shaun Davies appointed LGA Labour Group Leader
Cllr Shaun Davies, leader of Telford and Wrekin Council, has been voted in as the new leader of the LGA's Labour Group. The position means he will also attend the national Labour Party shadow cabinet. Cllr Davies said: "In my role I'll work cross party on the issues that face councils across England and Wales and push for greater investment and devolution to councils and communities."
BBC Online: Telford and Wrekin Council leader appointed to national role
Food strategy to be unveiled
On Monday, the Prime Minister is poised to unveil the country's first food strategy for 75 years. It will reportedly call for changes to planning rules to make it easier to convert land into farms and include plans to solve the migrant worker shortage.
Telegraph: Boris Johnson unveils ‘grow for Britain’ plan (£)
PM to face levelling up critique from northern MPs
Boris Johnson is due to speak at the first conference of the 80-strong Northern Research Group of MPs (NRG) next week. It is reported that the NRG will tell the Prime Minister to move faster with the Government's levelling up agenda.
Times: Keep your promises to the red wall, MPs tell Boris Johnson (£)
COVID-19 rates creep up
Latest estimates from the Office of National Statistics suggest around 990,000 people in the UK have COVID-19. Around one in 65 people are said to have had the virus on June 2 - up from about one in 70 the week before.
BBC Online: Early signs that Covid may be rising in parts of the UK
Monkeypox study
Four-fifths of the people in England who have been infected with monkeypox live in London, an investigation by the UK Health Security Agency has found. Almost 99 per cent of people infected are men and the average age is 38.
Guardian: Majority of UK’s 366 monkeypox cases are in London, says health agency
Rwanda asylum plan legal challenge
The High Court has rejected a move to block a flight to take asylum seekers from the UK to Rwanda next week. Campaigners say they will appeal the ruling.
BBC Online: UK court allows removal flight planned for Tuesday
Public transport usage up as petrol prices soar
More than 1 million people have started taking bus journeys across the UK since March and cycling levels have risen to double their typical average. It comes as consumers seek alternatives to driving as fuel prices rise sharply.
FT: Bus journeys and cycling surge as UK drivers try to cut fuel use (£)
Saturday's national newspaper front pages
Tuesday 28 – Thursday 30 June 2022 | Harrogate
Join us in Harrogate for the biggest event in the local government calendar, where we’ll be discussing the latest issues affecting local government.
Wednesday 15 June 2022, 10.30am – 12.00pm
Focusing on the findings of interviews with senior local government officers, this webinar with consultants Mott MacDonald who carried out the research will explore the concerns and considerations of local government for a new system of road pricing to replace the £27 billion in fuel duty revenue that the transition to electric vehicles implies.
Thursday 16 June 2022, 10.30am - 12.00pm
As the Independent Inquiry into CSA moves towards its conclusion the LGA is pleased to offer this invitation to hear from Professor Alexis Jay, Chair of the Inquiry. Professor Jay will provide insight and experiences of her time as the Chair to the Inquiry, the impact of the work delivered to date and her hopes for the future following publication of the Inquiry Final Report. Professor Jay will be joined by Secretary to the Inquiry, John O'Brien and other professionals from the world of child protection to reflect on the last 7 years and look ahead to the future.
Thursday 29 September 2022, 10.30am - 11.45am (virtual webinar)
Many non-finance cabinet members receive financial information and react to it. An effective cabinet member leads by being proactive about finance. This leadership webinar, aimed at non-finance cabinet members, will consider who should do what in ensuring there is effective financial governance, offer an overview of how finance works in your service area and provide councillors with the confidence and tools needed to be a proactive financial leader.
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