New Councillors, Same Pressures: IFS warns councils face unchanged funding challenges

11/05/2026

New councillors elected last week inherits a local government finance picture that is deeply constrained – and unlikely to improve quickly, IFS warns.

Reform UK councillors back down in row over airport loan

Westminster creates first-ever cabinet enforcement role to tackle anti-social behaviour

Reform councillor believed to have stood down following allegations

Voting system producing 'wildly unrepresentative' results, campaigners say

Teacher strikes could loom as formal ballots are confirmed

Policymakers urged to scrutinise AI productivity claims

Newly elected councillors urged to prioritise adult social care

Animal rights activists call for council to rename 'Chicken Roundabout'

Politics and Policy

Local Elections 2026: Results show Reform surge and Labour losses

Non-tenants gain right to complain about council housing

North Yorkshire Council urged to reject fracking application

Government confirms seven locations for new towns

Human Resources

Reform UK expels three candidates after BNP links uncovered

Unison proposes adult social care pension scheme

Council workers offered 3.3% pay rise

Capacity warning to Cornwall over strategic authority move

Finance

Soaring fuel bills pile pressure on already-stretched council budgets

Ministers still unconvinced by Tees Valley's Best Value

Businessman admits pocketing millions from Thurrock Council

Kent CC sells Gormley sculptures back to artist amid financial pressures

Transformation

Fresh request for remote council meeting legislation

English council data breaches up 53%

Electoral Commission launches deepfake detection pilot ahead of May elections

Thurrock’s EV chargepoint access to soar following new contract

Health and Social Care

Experts raise concerns over children's services deadline

Prevention 'insufficiently embedded' in social care, says COSLA

Social work funding must match nursing and teaching, says LGA

Southport Inquiry: Councils face challenge to prevent future attacks

Public Property

Council decides on Kendal County Hall’s future

Barking housing scheme could provide ‘blueprint for brownfield development’

Manchester CC unites with pension fund to boost housebuilding

John Lewis no longer to deliver Build to Rent housing

Analysis

New towns must be designed with young and old in mind

Age-friendly new towns are vital for an ageing population, writes Charlotte Lewis, Head of Communities at Centre for Ageing Better.

Opinion

Your guide to making good decisions as a new councillor

With new councillors taking their seats following the local elections, the LGA's guidance on effective decision-making offers a framework for getting it right.

Most Popular News

Local Elections 2026: Results show Reform surge and Labour losses

All change: Reform UK projected to make huge gains as local elections get underway

Reform councillor believed to have stood down following allegations

Reform-led Lancs council to pull out of refugee resettlement scheme

Mayor steps into chief executive row with Reform UK councillors

New Products

Safeguarding Children - the AAT Way

MSL enhances hygiene auditing with air quality testing for Awaab’s Law compliance

Cadcorp launches Mapestry

Bolton Council Upgrades 120+ School Crossings with Smart CMS Control by Lucy Zodion

NEC CONTRACTS HAS GONE DIGITAL: PAPERLESS, TO GIVE YOU MORE

Vent-Axia Delivers Social Housing a Smart Ventilation Solution Ahead of Awaab’s Law

New remotely lockable cabinet will help manage medication for people with mental health issues

Case Studies

Acrospire Delivers Durable Handrail Lighting Upgrade for Historical Landmark Jacob’s Ladder

Acrospire Delivers Seamless Heritage Lighting Upgrade on Bath’s North Parade Bridge

Acrospire Delivers Retrofit Lighting for Newbridge’s Joe Calzaghe Footbridge

Acrospire Delivers PIR-Controlled Lighting at Ruislip Lido Car Park

Spennymoor Market Place and Consett Middle Street revitalised using Thorn Lighting’s Thor Lanterns and Customisable Gobo Projectors

Acrospire Partners with Bath & North East Somerset Council to Illuminate Historic Film Location with LED Upgrade

Believ to install 22 charge points across Redcar and Cleveland

Company Anouncements

Vent-Axia Welcomes the Future Homes Standard as Competency Takes Centre Stage

Apricorn Becomes First and Only Hardware-Encrypted USB Storage Device Manufacturer to Achieve AS9100 Certification

AAT helps Councils step up to address children’s social care

CU Phosco Approved as a Crown Commercial Service Supplier

Acrospire triumphs at the 2025 HEA Awards with Sustainable Project of the Year

TRT Lighting retrofit helps Lincolnshire County Council cut street lighting energy use by over 65%

Vent-Axia Welcomes Healthy Homes Standard

Team Manager - Family Help

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Up to £62,451 per annum

Team Manager - Family Help ServiceU... Wandsworth, London

Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Social Worker - Adoption

£38,220 - £42,839 per annum, pro rata

Thank you for your interest in joining our Children and Young People’s service. Harrogate, North Yorkshire

Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Social Worker - Adoption

£38,220 - £42,839 per annum, pro rata

Thank you for your interest in joining our Children and Young People’s service. Selby, North Yorkshire

Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Children's Social Worker - Family Help Service

Up to £52,767 per annum (subject to experience)

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