Councils face legal challenges over LOBO loans
Newham Council is facing legal challenges over its use of Lender Option Borrower Option (LOBO) loans. More councils around the country are coming up against criticism for choosing this type of finance. What are LOBO loans and why are there objections to them?
Scottish Councils face record amount of debt
New research suggests Scottish councils are almost £16 billion in debt. Why are these figures so much higher than the rest of the country, and how can local authorities deal with the problem?
Goodbye to the Big Brother State?
Recent research from civil liberties group Big Brother Watch indicates that councils are turning surveillance cameras off in order to cut costs. Will this move result in real financial savings for councils?
LGA welcomes government support, but funding challenges remain
The government’s decision to provide additional funding to councils will help ease the financial pressure many are facing, according to the Local Government Association (LGA). But is the capital injection merely a short-term solution?
Councils are at a 'financial breaking point', LGA warns
Local councils will reach a “financial breaking point” unless they receive transitional government support until 2018, the Local Government Association (LGA) has warned. The organisation believes the phasing out of the Revenue Support Grant will place councils in an “impossible position” – so just how bad is the financial situation for local authorities?
How will the government’s housing bill affect English councils?
The Labour party has warned that the current government's housing bill could result in the loss of almost 200,000 council homes. What are the implications for councils if the bill becomes law?
David Cameron plans new era for Britain's housing estates
UK Prime Minister David Cameron recently announced plans to transform some of the country’s worst housing estates. The intention is to root out entrenched poverty and crime, and build a greater number of affordable homes. How will this regeneration be funded, and who stands to benefit?