Australia's No. 1 podcast for local government news and views
A new online system for planning applications in Northern Ireland has been described as “not fit for purpose” and “unacceptably poor”. The peak body for architects, the Royal Society of Ulster Architects, says serious issues have plagued the system since its launch in early December. It says it has received feedback from members that many […]
Continue ReadingOn this episode of the Local Government News Roundup, Australia’s number one local government podcast, a statewide shortage of school crossing supervisors makes news; a Tasmanian councillor suspended for three months; a ban on single-use plastics takes effect this week – how can Councils ensure they are prepared?; a high profile Sydney mayor announces a […]
Continue ReadingA UK councillor has been criticised for knitting during a council meeting while significant service and funding cuts were under discussion. Councillor Rachel Garrick told the BBC that she knits to cope with pain from a rare joint condition and to help focus. The behaviour has been called into question by another councillor, Richard John, […]
Continue ReadingOn the latest summer update from the Roundup:Two monitors to be appointed to oversee Greater Geelong’s CEO hiring process;Corangamite Shire appoints an interim CEO;Another countback for Colac Otway Shire due to a councillor resignation;a former Council CEO posthumously awarded an Order of Australia Medal; and more of this week’s local government happenings from around the country. […]
Continue ReadingA city council in the US state of Ohio has been collecting more municipal income tax than authorised for the last 15 years. Rittman taxpayers have received a letter from the city revealing that they have been charged tax at the rate of 1.5%, instead of the authorised rate of 1%. The issue dates back […]
Continue ReadingMunicipal functions in one Texas city have ground to a halt due to mass resignations, and insufficient council members have turned up to meetings to decide on filling positions. Godley City Hall is closed, and all functions have ceased except for fire and police. The city has lost its city administrator, secretary, police chief, city […]
Continue ReadingDon’t try this at home! Video footage has been released of the moment a council meeting in Mexico was interrupted by an uninvited guest falling through the ceiling. Acapulco councillors were in the middle of a budget meeting in December when a raccoon crashed into their midst. Some attendees jumped onto tables in panic before […]
Continue ReadingCouncils across England have been invited to bid for a share of £60M to convert disused brownfield sites into housing. The government estimates the funding will deliver 5,800 homes by March 2027, and create around 18,000 new jobs. The money comes from a £180M fund expected to deliver 17,600 homes and 56,000 jobs over a […]
Continue ReadingA selection of local government related stories of interest making news beyond Australia this week: Firstly from the US, new figures show that traffic fatalities are on the rise in Los Angeles, despite a $50M City Council program to eliminate roadway deaths by 2025. 312 people died on Los Angeles roads in 2022, an increase […]
Continue ReadingA UK Council is exploring the use of cruise ships to house refugees and homeless people. The idea, raised by the Home Secretary, is not without its critics, with one charity describing it as “absolutely deplorable” and not addressing the root cause of homelessness. Torridge District Council, situated in north Devon in England, is in […]
Continue Reading