Tag #Local Government

Showing 25 to 36 of 220 results

theguardian.com

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Jul 13, 10:11

Reform UK's Diversity Cuts: Minimal Savings, Maximum Controversy

Freedom of Information requests reveal that Reform UK-controlled councils in England have an average of less than 0.5 full-time equivalent diversity and equality roles each, contradicting the party's pre-election claims of significant cost savings from eliminating such positions; even with an assume...

Reform UK's Diversity Cuts: Minimal Savings, Maximum Controversy

Freedom of Information requests reveal that Reform UK-controlled councils in England have an average of less than 0.5 full-time equivalent diversity and equality roles each, contradicting the party's pre-election claims of significant cost savings from eliminating such positions; even with an assume...

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Gender Equality

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What are the potential long-term consequences of Reform UK's approach to diversity and equality initiatives on local government services and public trust?

The limited potential savings from cutting diversity and equality roles in Reform UK-controlled councils, coupled with controversies surrounding the party's 'Doge' team and its chair's understanding of local government finances, points to a lack of practical understanding of local government budgeting. Future attempts by the party to implement similar cost-cutting measures are likely to face similar challenges, particularly given the legally mandated responsibilities of most councils.

sueddeutsche.de

🌐 65% Global Worthiness

Jul 13, 10:10

SPD Demands Modernized Urban Development Funding in Schleswig-Holstein

Schleswig-Holstein's SPD demands modernized urban development funding, criticizing the state's €20 million budget cut for 2025 and its funding strategy that effectively makes municipalities finance their own share, jeopardizing local projects while the federal government plans to increase funding.

SPD Demands Modernized Urban Development Funding in Schleswig-Holstein

Schleswig-Holstein's SPD demands modernized urban development funding, criticizing the state's €20 million budget cut for 2025 and its funding strategy that effectively makes municipalities finance their own share, jeopardizing local projects while the federal government plans to increase funding.

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Sustainable Cities and Communities

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What are the immediate consequences of Schleswig-Holstein's planned €20 million reduction in urban development funding for municipalities?

The SPD in Schleswig-Holstein is advocating for a modernization of urban development funding, warning that planned cuts of €20 million in 2025 will hinder crucial local projects and force municipalities to cover the state's share. This follows a reduction from €67 million in 2024 to €47 million in 2025, with municipalities already financing a third of the total.

theguardian.com

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Jul 12, 16:12

Judicial Review Launched Against Birmingham Council Commissioners Over Day Centre Closures

Two Birmingham residents are challenging the actions of government-appointed commissioners who blocked scrutiny of a decision to close four adult day centres, arguing that the commissioners overstepped their authority and undermined local democracy. This legal action highlights concerns about the in...

Judicial Review Launched Against Birmingham Council Commissioners Over Day Centre Closures

Two Birmingham residents are challenging the actions of government-appointed commissioners who blocked scrutiny of a decision to close four adult day centres, arguing that the commissioners overstepped their authority and undermined local democracy. This legal action highlights concerns about the in...

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Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

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How does the Birmingham case reflect broader concerns about the role and impact of commissioners in financially challenged local authorities, considering their cost and potential to override local democratic processes?

The legal challenge in Birmingham stems from commissioners' refusal to allow scrutiny of a decision to close day centres, a move criticized for undermining local democracy. The commissioners, appointed after the council's financial collapse, prioritized immediate cost-cutting, overriding established procedures. This case exemplifies broader concerns about the commissioner model's impact on local autonomy and accountability, particularly given the commissioners' significant financial compensation.

zeit.de

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Jul 9, 16:15

German Municipalities Demand Simplified Rules for Infrastructure Funding

The Association of Cities and Municipalities of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, responding to a 500 billion euro federal infrastructure investment, advocates for simplified procurement regulations and a per capita funding model to expedite crucial projects, citing the need for efficient allocation and publi...

German Municipalities Demand Simplified Rules for Infrastructure Funding

The Association of Cities and Municipalities of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, responding to a 500 billion euro federal infrastructure investment, advocates for simplified procurement regulations and a per capita funding model to expedite crucial projects, citing the need for efficient allocation and publi...

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Sustainable Cities and Communities

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What are the immediate consequences of the slow implementation of infrastructure projects in Germany?

Following a pledge by German Federal Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil for targeted investments in municipal infrastructure, the Association of Cities and Municipalities of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern called for simplified procurement regulations. The association adopted a position paper emphasizing the need for pragmatic implementation of the federal infrastructure fund and streamlining of procurement law to ensure rapid project implementation and public perception of positive effects.

bbc.com

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Jul 4, 10:13

Birmingham Bin Strike Enters Sixth Month Without Resolution

A six-month-long bin strike in Birmingham, UK, continues with no resolution in sight, leaving residents with overflowing bins and impacting the city's already low recycling rate of 22.9% (excluding Liverpool).

Birmingham Bin Strike Enters Sixth Month Without Resolution

A six-month-long bin strike in Birmingham, UK, continues with no resolution in sight, leaving residents with overflowing bins and impacting the city's already low recycling rate of 22.9% (excluding Liverpool).

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Sustainable Cities and Communities

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What are the underlying causes of the strike, and how does it impact residents' ability to recycle and manage their waste effectively?

The strike, stemming from planned role downgrades to address equal pay liabilities, highlights the complex interplay between labor disputes, public services, and environmental consequences. The indefinite strike, announced in March, has led to suspended green waste and recycling collections, resulting in overflowing bins and unsanitary conditions in several areas of Birmingham. The lack of easy access to alternative recycling facilities exacerbates the issue for residents without cars.

bbc.com

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Jun 28, 01:15

Former Council CEO to Face Prosecution Over Email Deletion

Former Mid and East Antrim Borough Council chief executive Anne Donaghy and another individual face prosecution for alleged deletion of emails related to a Freedom of Information request; charges follow a police investigation and BBC Spotlight report on the withdrawal and reinstatement of council st...

Former Council CEO to Face Prosecution Over Email Deletion

Former Mid and East Antrim Borough Council chief executive Anne Donaghy and another individual face prosecution for alleged deletion of emails related to a Freedom of Information request; charges follow a police investigation and BBC Spotlight report on the withdrawal and reinstatement of council st...

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Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

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What prompted the police investigation, and what role did the alleged deletion of emails play in the charges?

The charges stem from a police investigation triggered by a BBC Spotlight program alleging attempts to delete correspondence concerning the withdrawal of council staff performing post-Brexit trade checks. These checks, initially withdrawn due to alleged loyalist paramilitary threats, were later reinstated after a PSNI threat assessment found no supporting evidence. The investigation highlights potential misuse of power and challenges to transparency within local government.

smh.com.au

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Jul 13, 01:10

NSW Government Intervenes in Councils Over Slow Housing Approvals

The NSW government appointed specialist planning staff to four Sydney councils—Georges River (7% approval rate), Sutherland (24%), Willoughby (35%), and Wingecarribee (32%)—after they failed to meet housing application assessment timeframes, part of a broader effort to address housing shortages.

NSW Government Intervenes in Councils Over Slow Housing Approvals

The NSW government appointed specialist planning staff to four Sydney councils—Georges River (7% approval rate), Sutherland (24%), Willoughby (35%), and Wingecarribee (32%)—after they failed to meet housing application assessment timeframes, part of a broader effort to address housing shortages.

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Sustainable Cities and Communities

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What broader systemic factors, beyond council processing times, contribute to NSW's housing supply challenges?

This intervention connects to broader concerns about housing supply in NSW. The government's actions, using a public "league table" and direct intervention, aim to pressure councils to expedite approvals, tackling a bottleneck identified as contributing to the housing crisis. Councils cite various factors such as complex topography, as reasons for delays, underscoring the multifaceted nature of the problem.

zeit.de

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Jul 13, 07:11

SPD Demands Modernization of Schleswig-Holstein Urban Development Funding

The SPD in Schleswig-Holstein demands a modernization of urban development funding, criticizing the state government's €20 million budget cut for 2025 and the shift of the state's contribution to the municipal budget, effectively forcing municipalities to self-finance the state's share.

SPD Demands Modernization of Schleswig-Holstein Urban Development Funding

The SPD in Schleswig-Holstein demands a modernization of urban development funding, criticizing the state government's €20 million budget cut for 2025 and the shift of the state's contribution to the municipal budget, effectively forcing municipalities to self-finance the state's share.

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Sustainable Cities and Communities

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How does the change in funding mechanisms affect municipalities' ability to plan and implement urban development projects?

The SPD's proposal highlights concerns about the state government's reduction of urban development funding, which was cut by €20 million for 2025 from €67 million in 2024. This reduction, coupled with the shift to funding the state's share from municipal funds, effectively forces municipalities to finance their own development projects. This creates a conflict between the state's fiscal consolidation efforts and the needs of its municipalities.

lemonde.fr

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Jul 11, 01:15

French Parliament Addresses Local Official Shortages with Pay Raises and Retirement Benefits

The French Parliament adopted a bill on July 10th to combat the increasing resignations of local officials, including a salary increase for mayors in smaller towns (up to 10%, decreasing to 4% for towns up to 20,000), costing €53.7 million, and an additional retirement quarter per term (up to eight)...

French Parliament Addresses Local Official Shortages with Pay Raises and Retirement Benefits

The French Parliament adopted a bill on July 10th to combat the increasing resignations of local officials, including a salary increase for mayors in smaller towns (up to 10%, decreasing to 4% for towns up to 20,000), costing €53.7 million, and an additional retirement quarter per term (up to eight)...

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Gender Equality

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How does the bill aim to improve the work-life balance and career prospects of local elected officials?

This bill aims to improve support for elected officials throughout their terms and after, addressing burnout and declining participation. The increased pay for smaller towns' mayors is specifically designed to incentivize engagement, particularly in areas with limited resources and higher workloads. The additional retirement benefit aims to further improve the attractiveness of local political roles.

lemonde.fr

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Jul 9, 07:17

French Assembly Approves Graduated Salary Increase for Deputy Mayors

The French National Assembly approved a graduated increase in deputy mayors' salaries in towns under 20,000, ranging from 10% to 4% based on commune size, and a controversial measure granting additional retirement quarters per term for local elected officials, despite concerns about the €45 million ...

French Assembly Approves Graduated Salary Increase for Deputy Mayors

The French National Assembly approved a graduated increase in deputy mayors' salaries in towns under 20,000, ranging from 10% to 4% based on commune size, and a controversial measure granting additional retirement quarters per term for local elected officials, despite concerns about the €45 million ...

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Reduced Inequality

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What is the immediate financial impact of the approved salary increase for deputy mayors in smaller French communes?

The French National Assembly approved a graduated increase in deputy mayors' salaries in towns under 20,000 inhabitants, ranging from 10% to 4% based on commune size. This decision, part of a broader bill on elected officials' status, prioritizes smaller communities. A previous amendment increased mayors' salaries, also degressively, from 8% to 1.4% depending on town size.

welt.de

🌐 75% Global Worthiness

Jul 3, 16:14

Thuringia to Borrow €1.1 Billion for Infrastructure Investment

Thuringia will borrow €1.1 billion by 2027 to fund infrastructure and growth initiatives under revised debt brake rules, aiming for balanced budgets by 2029 and utilizing a €1 billion municipal investment program with annual repayments of €71 million over 20 years.

Thuringia to Borrow €1.1 Billion for Infrastructure Investment

Thuringia will borrow €1.1 billion by 2027 to fund infrastructure and growth initiatives under revised debt brake rules, aiming for balanced budgets by 2029 and utilizing a €1 billion municipal investment program with annual repayments of €71 million over 20 years.

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Decent Work and Economic Growth

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What is the immediate impact of Thuringia's decision to utilize the amended debt brake rules for increased investment?

Thuringia will borrow approximately €1.1 billion over two years (2026-2027) to boost growth and infrastructure, with €600 million allocated in 2026 and €500 million in 2027. This is made possible by recent changes to Germany's debt brake rules, granting states more borrowing flexibility. The state aims for balanced budgets by 2029.

bbc.com

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Jun 22, 19:17

£20m Regeneration Boost for Overlooked English Towns

Twenty-five English towns, including Walker in Newcastle, will receive £20 million each over 10 years to regenerate deprived areas, addressing issues such as anti-social behavior and lack of jobs, starting April 2026.

£20m Regeneration Boost for Overlooked English Towns

Twenty-five English towns, including Walker in Newcastle, will receive £20 million each over 10 years to regenerate deprived areas, addressing issues such as anti-social behavior and lack of jobs, starting April 2026.

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Sustainable Cities and Communities

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What is the immediate impact of the £20 million regeneration scheme on Walker, Newcastle, and similar areas?

£20 million will be invested in 25 English towns over 10 years to regenerate deprived areas. Walker, Newcastle is one such area, where residents have welcomed the news, citing issues like anti-social behavior and lack of jobs. However, some feel that the amount is insufficient to address the problems fully.

Showing 25 to 36 of 220 results