This briefing deals with a short report on Poverty in Scotland by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF), analysing poverty trends in Scotland and examining how the Scottish Government can use its new powers to reduce poverty further.
The UK has relatively low rates saving and high rates of problem debt, but more people than ever have access to a bank account, according to the financial inclusion annual monitoring report which presents data on the economic situation and employment, as well as access to financial services and products.
The Careers and Enterprise Company’s State of the Nation 2019 report finds careers education is improving overall with over half of schools running regular encounters with employers. Disadvantaged areas are among the highest performing in the country on careers education but great variation in the level and quality of careers education throughout England.
Alongside an overview, November’s Oireachtas report focuses on the political controversy of so-called “Votegate”, and covers a recent piece of legislation in more detail: Housing (Regulation of Approved Housing Bodies) Bill 2019.
As more students choose to study internationally, local governments can positively address the impact of international students on cities. This briefing showcases how local government in three cities in Scotland, England, and Australia incorporate international students into their strategic planning to reap significant benefits to local areas, such as promoting investment and addressing demographic concerns.
The initial phase of the Grenfell public inquiry was keenly anticipated. We summarise the key points here, some responses to it, and look ahead to phase two.
This briefing details key findings from the Survey of Adult Carers in England published in June 2019 and the Nuffield Trust analysis of these findings published in August 2019.
As local authorities seek to reduce homelessness, increasing the accessibility of the private rental sector has been found to be key. Tenants who might otherwise present as homeless can be assisted into a private tenancy with a council-backed rent bond guarantee scheme, while increasing the available housing in the sector and working to ensure landlords…
A look at the Regional Adoption Agencies – the Government initiative in England to create 25-30 regional bodies to take over and streamline the child adoption process from local government and voluntary bodies.
In 2014, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Fingal County Council and the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftainship of Lesotho was signed in Maseru. The MOU provided for Fingal to support change, modernisation and reform of the Planning function in that country. The following briefing demonstrates the positive impact that a local authority can…