Topic

Local government

The government is giving local councils more power to decide how to spend public money in their areas so they can meet local people’s needs. At the same time, the government is helping to make sure Council Tax payers get value for money by making councils more transparent and accountable.

Real-terms cut in Council Tax for fourth year

New official figures show that the average Council Tax bill in England has fallen in real-terms for the fourth year.

Council Tax levels set by local authorities in England 2014 to 2015

Details of the level of Council Tax set by local authorities in England.

Proposal to use a legislative reform order to set up town and parish councils

Consultation on a proposal to use a legislative reform order for making it easier to set up new town and parish councils.

Guidance on weekly rubbish collections

Guidance for local authorities on how to deliver a weekly bin collection service.

Latest

1. Improvement notice issued to Devon County Council

   • published 23 April 2014
   • Correspondence

2. Robert Goodwill sees flood recovery in Yorkshire and Humberside

   • published 17 April 2014
   • News story

3. Letter to leaders of the combined authority for the area of Durham, Northumberland and Tyne and Wear

   • published 17 April 2014
   • Correspondence

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Policies 4

1. Giving local authorities more control over how they spend public money in their area

   We're handing back control to councils, and letting them share in the financial benefits of generating growth in their areas.

2. Making local councils more transparent and accountable to local people

   We want local councils to provide more information on how they are spending public money and about the decisions they make.

3. Making sure Council Tax payers get good value for money

   We're helping councils to freeze Council Tax bills and giving local people the right to vote against excessive Council Tax rises.

4. Improving local transport

   The government is giving councils more freedom to improve their local transport systems to make them more efficient and sustainable.

Announcements

1. Robert Goodwill sees flood recovery in Yorkshire and Humberside

   • 17 April 2014
   • News story

2. Eric Pickles takes action to defend the independent free press

   • 17 April 2014
   • Press release

3. Voluntary guidelines for coach operators amended

   • 17 April 2014
   • Press release

See all announcements

Consultations

1. Providing social housing for local people

   • 17 April 2014
   • Consultation outcome

2. Local bus services: revised statutory guidance

   • 7 April 2014
   • Open consultation

3. Proposals for the use of capital receipts from asset sales to invest in reforming services

   • 3 April 2014
   • Consultation outcome

See all consultations

Publications

1. Improvement notice issued to Devon County Council

   • 23 April 2014
   • Correspondence

2. Letter to leaders of the combined authority for the area of Durham, Northumberland and Tyne and Wear

   • 17 April 2014
   • Correspondence

3. Letter from Brandon Lewis on combined authorities' governance and transparency

   • 17 April 2014
   • Correspondence

See all publications

Statistics

1. Council Tax levels set by local authorities in England 2014 to 2015

   • 26 March 2014
   • Statistics - national statistics

2. Quarterly revenue outturn for local authorities in England: quarter 3 2013 to 2014

   • 11 March 2014
   • Statistics

3. Council Taxbase 2013 in England

   • 28 February 2014
   • Statistics

See all statistics

Detailed guides

1. Local government legislation: byelaws

   Arrangements and procedures for the confirmation of local authority byelaws, including model sets. Read more

2. Refer a deceased person's estate to the Treasury Solicitor

   Notify the Bona Vacantia division that a person has died without leaving a will or any known blood relatives. Read more

3. Designated days for Union Flag flying

   Dates for flying the Union Flag on UK government buildings in 2014 Read more

4. How to get ethnic minority employment data

   Guidance for local government and employers who need data on ethnic minority employment to set targets and monitor improvement in local areas. Read more

5. Local authorities and the Green Deal

   Guidance for local authorities in delivering the Green Deal and the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) in their communities. Read more

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