Lib Dems take a bashing as Conservatives gain in local council elections
The Liberal Democrats have suffered their worst defeat at the polls in almost 30 years, losing almost 300 councillors so far. The party also suffered a tragedy as Neil Hamilton, a candidate in Newcastle died shortly before the count last night after a day of campaigning. Surprisingly, the Conservatives have gained seats. Many had predicted heavy losses for the party. Labour have gained 12 councils in the English local elections but suffered at the hands of the SNP in the Scottish assembly elections, losing nine seats so far.
PM: transparency to make responsible councils
David Cameron has spoken out about the importance of transparency in local government. Cameron said: "Every council in the country has to declare its spending on any item over £500, and people have found that useful in seeing how much council executives are paid, how much councillors are paid, and making sure that they bear down on those costs." The prime minister said that it is a "matter of great regret" that one remaining council, Nottingham, has not declared its spending.
Councils shun 'big society' social work pilots
Attempts by the government to roll out a GP-style social work pilot have come under fire after four local authorities pulled out of the scheme. Warwickshire, Coventry, South Tyneside and Lincolnshire councils withdrew from a second wave of children's social work practice pilots after accusing the government of trying to rush through changes without appropriate funding. Council officers told the Department for Education that, if the time frames were "more viable", they would consider re-joining the scheme but tight budgets had caused concerns over child protection and safety.
