Scottish Government aim to ensure that all children get the best possible start in life to reduce the poverty-related attainment gap. This briefing summarises the actions being taken by Scottish Government to provide an overview of progress, responsibilities and signposting for local authorities. This briefing will be of interest to those working in education, social…
As the country grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, the campaign for election to the 26th Seanad continues – albeit with candidates being restricted to campaigning by way of email or telephone contact rather than the usual door to door canvassing. The Constitution requires that a general election to the Seanad must take place not later…
Two days is a long time in a pandemic. Since we published our first coronavirus briefing much has happened. This briefing updates members on new government announcements and key services, and looks further at the implications for communities and local authorities of the Prime Minister’s 16 March statement.
Constitutional recognition of Australia’s Indigenous peoples continues to be a matter of intense discussion at the national level. This briefing explores what is currently underway in this policy area as a way of providing a background briefing for local government and discusses what these developments might mean for local government.
The government’s efforts to address problems in the housing system in Ireland present a confusing picture: extended regulatory controls over the housing market and a movement of decision making towards the centre. At the same time, the state relies on the private sector and housing associations to deliver social and affordable housing solutions. Within this…
This briefing covers progress towards the fiscal targets and economic forecasts that accompanied Budget March 2020 in addition to brief commentary on other announcements, including those for capital and departmental spending, taxes, and welfare, and the Government’s response to the coronavirus crisis.
Coronavirus affects everything local authorities do – as community leaders, public health authorities, education authorities, employers, partners and service deliverers. This is the first of two briefings considering the wider leadership role of local government, the implications for communities and services, and at advice and support. We have made all Covid-19 briefings available to Members…
This briefing looks at the rental affordability index (RAI) which has been developed by SGS Economics and Planning in partnership with National Shelter, Community Sector Banking, and Brotherhood St Laurence since 2015. Housing affordability is an increasingly important issue for councils, and the RAI provides an easy to understand indicator of rental affordability relative to…
More affordable housing, faster planning, and extra money for rough sleepers and building safety were all promised in the spring Budget. This month’s housing and planning roundup sets out the main points from the Budget, and includes news about social lettings, the housing delivery test, a proposed New Homes Ombudsman, and the backlog of home…
This briefing provides an update on social housing provision in Scotland. In addition to the current state of affairs, both the relevant history of social housing and the future of Scotland’s social housing are explored. This topic will be of interest to officers and councillors with a role relating to housing and social housing in…