Local Government Information Unit
Government Affairs Website
EU campaigners highlight local role
News Article 24 February 2005
The new EU constitution will boost local government, according to the pro-European coalition Britain in Europe.
Ministers back local business ballots
Press Review 15 February 2005
The local government minister has welcomed growing interest in a pilot programme of ballots for businesses in local areas on whether to pay for town centre improvements.
Prescott aims to empower residents over councils
Press Review 1 February 2005
John Prescott has published proposals which would allow voters to force action by councils if services fall below certain standards.
Pat Watters - COSLA president
Interview 1 February 2005
Councillor Pat Watters, president of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, talks to ePolitix.com about the issues facing local authorities in Scotland.
Devolution 'produces too much government'
News Article 1 February 2005
Senior council leaders from Scotland and Wales have expressed concern at the impact of devolved politics on local democracy.
Swindon set for extra aid
Press Review 17 January 2005
Swindon Borough Council is to be the first local authority in Britain to franchise another to improve its services.
Liberal Democrats 'will decentralise politics'
News Article 12 January 2005
Ed Davey has outlined the Liberal Democrats' "historic mission" to decentralise British politics.
Beckett sets out clean neighbourhood bill
News Article 10 January 2005
A government bill aiming to clean up local communities and tackle anti-social behaviour has been set out by environment secretary Margaret Beckett.
Prescott set to empower communities
Press Review 5 January 2005
Communities may get powers to run services like street cleaning, parks and neighbourhood wardens under new government plans.
'Woolly talk on railways masks threat to local services'
News Article 19 November 2004
Talk of a "bright future" for Britain's railways is not matched by any detailed plans to expand the rail network, Transport 2000 has said.
Councils should offer gypsies land say MPs
News Article 8 November 2004
MPs have urged councils to set aside land for gypsies and travellers.
Clarke warns councils over role
Press Review 21 October 2004
Charles Clarke has warned councils that they must face up to their new relationship with schools and should not seek to claw back power over teachers.
Councils chief issues tax warning
Press Review 21 October 2004
Council tax may have to rise by at least 12.5 per cent next year unless ministers give local authorities and police forces an extra £1.3 billion.
New budget plan for councils unveiled
Press Review 28 July 2004
The government has set out a 10-year plan for better local government.
