Martin Ford 20 February 2026

Calls to indemnify officers after U-turn debacle

Ministers are facing calls to indemnify returning officers as councils scramble to organise local elections following the Government’s U-turn on postponement plans.

Councils were left scrabbling to get preparations back on track after local government secretary Steve Reed abandoned plans to delay elections for a year in 30 areas ‘in the light of legal advice'.

Visit The MJ (£) to continue reading.

#Elections #HR

Analysis

LocalGov’s Next Generation: Inside the Welfare Rights Officer role

Reflecting on his time as an apprentice at Lancashire County Council, Sean shares how he has worked his way up to supporting clients at court tribunals as a Welfare Rights Officer for his local authority.

Opinion

LocalGov’s Next Generation: Inside the OD Advisor role

Milly's local government career began aged 16 working library shifts. Now she's helping pave the way for the next generation on the council graduate scheme.

Most Popular News

Reform UK councillor charged with rape and false imprisonment

Suspended Reform councillor convicted over Facebook post

Reform councillor sacked over sexualised AI image of colleague

Fraudster simultaneously held five public sector roles

EXCLUSIVE: Councils told to 'avoid publicity' over business rates refunds

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's Heritage Lighting Upgrade at Britannia Quay Balances Performance and Ecology

Acrospire Improves Safety Across Greenwich Subways with LED Lighting Upgrade

Cornwall’s Coastal Heritage Lighting Upgraded with Acrospire Lanterns

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

Company Anouncements

Airtech Backs Radon Awareness Week as Updated Mapping Sheds Light on Hidden Risks

GLL names new CEO and deputy as Peter Bundey retires

Siemens, Asset Management Software, Formerly Brightly Software, Expands Solutions Portfolio to More Connected Insights

Acrospire promotes LED retrofit for structurally viable lighting assets

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

SEND Customer and Compliance Manager

£43,149 - £49,658 per annum

Are you passionate about improving services for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)? Macclesfield, Cheshire

Recuriter: Cheshire East Council

Court Team Senior Social Worker

£43,149 - £49,658 per annum

We're looking for an experienced Social Worker to join our Court Team as a Senior Social Worker. Macclesfield, Cheshire

Recuriter: Cheshire East Council

Executive Director of Finance and Investment (S73 Officer)

c£140,000

Build the investment capability of a new strategic authority, then lead its finances into its first mayoral term. Hybrid, working across Sussex. Relocation support available

Recuriter: Sussex & Brighton Strategic Authority