09 February 2012
A new campaign has been launched to consider how to make the roles of Whitehall and councils clearer to local residents. Its aim is to improve democratic accountability and give greater power to local people, by making it clearer who is in charge of their public services. The campaign is an initiative between Graham Allen MP, Chair of the Political Constitutional Reform Select Committee, and the LGA.

09 February 2012
The highly-regarded graduate recruitment programme used by councils has the potential to drive up standards in town halls even further if take-up increases, a recent report has revealed. According to the study from the LGA, Solace Enterprises and iMPOWER, hiring more university leavers in the Local Government National Graduate Development Programme (NGDP) will lead to greater development and innovation.

07 February 2012
David Holdstock has been appointed as the new Director of Communications at the LGA. Announcing the appointment, LGA Chairman Sir Merrick Cockell said: "I am delighted to announce David as our new Director of Communications. He is already an outstanding and energetic leader in the sector through his work with LGcommunications, and brings a wealth of experience to the role thanks to more than a decade working in local government, as well as thirteen years with the Met Police."

06 February 2012
Bin men, street sweepers and park staff have joined council efforts to clear streets and pavements during the freezing weather, while others are calling in on elderly residents to provide extra blankets and heating advice. Tens of thousands of tonnes of salt was spread across the nation's roads over the weekend as gritting teams fought through the blizzards to clear the main routes. And though the snow may have thawed, with sub-zero temperatures and ice predicted for the rest of the week, people are being urged to take extra care on the roads and look out for their neighbours.