Austerity cuts crippling councils, says European report
Councils need more influence over local decisions and the financial burden on them should be reduced, according to an European report.
The influential Council of Europe said austerity cuts were crippling councils and put Britain in breach of international obligations. The delegation found local government faring worse than other parts of the public sector and that councils were restricted in their ability to provide essential services, such as adult social care, because of austerity.
The report was supported by the Local Government Association (LGA). Sir Merrick Cockell, the LGA's chairman said it was a fair reflection of current pressures facing councils. The association endorsed recommendations that councils be given greater power and that funding in England should be fairer.
Councils sign up to support care leavers
Councils in England have committed to supporting children leave care until they turn 25, signing up to the care leavers' charter.
More than 120 local authorities said they would help people who leave care by offering advice and putting them in touch with the services that they need, such as housing and health services.
Welsh parties should set target of 40% female candidates in winnable seats
Before the next local elections in May targets should be set to sign up 40% of Welsh female candidates in winnable seats, according to a government report.
The report from a group on diversity in local government called for a campaign to inform the public about local government.
Group chair professor Laura McAllister said the measures were "not about being politically correct or ticking boxes".
Women remain under-represented in local government. A 2013 report by the Fawcett Society showed that in the UK just 32% of councillors in England are women. Numbers have increased from 27.8% in 1997, but progress is slow.
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