Local government's finances and powers are the throughline of this page. Recent stories follow councils raiding reserves to cover soaring social care costs, council tax bills reaching an average of £2,392 as nearly all of England raises rates to the limit, and London's temporary-accommodation crisis topping 75,000 households. Powers shift in both directions: nine councils stripped of planning authority over major developments even as new strategic authorities take shape, AI planning tools arrive with the push for 1.5 million homes, and the Right to Buy overhaul aims to protect council stock.
New statutory homelessness statistics show the number of households living in temporary accommodation has reached a record high, with councils spending billions and warning that the bill is pushing some authorities towards insolvency.
With the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act now on the statute book, ministers are pressing ahead with a wave of new mayors and strategic authorities handed powers over housing, transport and skills.
A widening funding gap and relentless demand for adult social care and SEND services are forcing councils to drain emergency savings, with leaders warning that half of authorities may need a government bailout within three years.
Housing minister Matthew Pennycook has placed nine local authorities in planning 'special measures', allowing developers to bypass them and apply directly to the Planning Inspectorate for large schemes.
Government figures confirm the typical Band D bill in England has climbed 4.9% to £2,392 for 2026-27, with 274 authorities increasing rates by the maximum permitted and a handful granted special permission to go further.
Ministers are rolling out artificial intelligence tools to local planning departments in a bid to halve decision times, part of a wider package of reforms designed to accelerate housebuilding across England.
As the Social Housing Bill clears its second reading in the Lords, the government's Right to Buy reforms will extend eligibility to ten years, cut discounts and shield new social homes from sale for 35 years.