local authorities
07 Jul 2025
Councils to be Measured on New Draft Metrics
Last week, the Government published a new draft Local Government Outcomes Framework, setting out a proposed structure for how central and local government might work together to measure progress on...
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01 Jul 2025
The Widening Disparities in Adult Social Care
A new report from the Institute for Government, Adult Social Care Across England, reveals stark and growing inequalities in access to publicly funded adult social care, with older adults facing...
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16 Jun 2025
Celebrating RSN Member Success at the LGC Awards 2025
The Rural Services Network is delighted to celebrate the achievements of our member councils who were shortlisted or recognised at this year’s Local Government Chronicle (LGC) Awards — a flagship...
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14 Apr 2025
Government Sets Out Reforms to Repair Local Audit System
The government has announced a package of reforms intended to address longstanding issues within the local audit system in England, which it describes as “broken” and “fragmented.” The reforms, outlined...
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31 Mar 2025
LGA Survey Highlights Funding Challenges for Local Councils
The Local Government Association (LGA) has released findings from its recent survey indicating significant budgeting challenges for councils in England as they prepare for the fiscal year 2025/26. The survey...
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10 Mar 2025
LGIU Report Highlights Pressing Concerns for Local Government Finances
A recent report by the Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) has painted a stark picture of the financial pressures facing local councils in England. The LGIU’s 12th annual “State of...
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25 Feb 2025
Government Announces Exceptional Financial Support for 30 Councils
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has announced that select councils experiencing significant financial difficulties will receive additional government support to aid in balancing their budgets for the...
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24 Feb 2025
Critical Alert: Potential Financial Crisis in Councils over SEND Funding
A concerning report from the Local Government Association (LGA) has highlighted a looming financial crisis that could affect over half of the councils responsible for supporting children with special educational...
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03 Feb 2025
Concerns Over Final Local Government Finance Settlement’s Impact on Rural
As the Final Local Government Finance Settlement has now been published, the Rural Services Network (RSN) expresses deep concern over the allocation of government funding. The settlement fails to ensure...
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20 Jan 2025
Advocating for Fair Funding in Rural England
The Rural Services Network (RSN) continues to express deep concern over the significant disparities highlighted in the latest local government finance settlement. The funding allocations continue to disadvantage rural communities,...
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