Bob Blackman: Today, at last, my Homelessness Reduction Act comes into force

It is not a fix-all, but I hope its measures will produce a real improvement in the number of people who become homeless in the first place.

Gary Porter: Co-location is delivering better value for money in the public sector

Councils sharing space with job centres is an example. It means an improved service – and releases buildings which can be sold to reduce debt and provide new homes.

Gary Porter: Leaving the EU will allow simpler and more flexible local government

We must seize the opportunities to provide services in a more efficient way – cutting the long delays on public procurement is an obvious example.

Sajid Javid: We, as a country, failed the victims of the Grenfell fire

The full text of the Communities and Local Government Secretary’s speech to the LGA today.

Gary Porter: A disappointing Queen’s Speech for local government

The Government has not reintroduced the Bill that would implement its commitment to the localisation of business rates by 2020.

Paul Carter: Why I am standing to be Conservative Group Leader of the Local Government Association

Heath and Social Care integration is in everyone’s interests and we need to work hard to make it a reality.

David Simmonds: Why I am standing to be Conservative Group Leader of the Local Government Association

We need a strong voice to demand that Brexit means devolution.

Gary Porter: What local government will be looking for from the new Prime Minister

Councils need a voice in the Brexit negotiations, more devolution deals and full retention of Business Rates.

Gary Porter: A post-Brexit UK will boost localism

Skills and training programmes, partly financed by the European Social Fund, are highly centralised and inefficient.

Councils honour the Armed Forces

Many thousands took part in events around the country.

Councils divert anti-smoking funds into political lobbying

Vaping has left public health programmes increasingly ineffective.

David Hodge: Conservative councillors are working for a fair funding deal from central Government

We have lobbied the Chancellor hard and it’s achieved results.

Gary Porter: The Autumn Statement means greater flexibility over council finances

There is a mixed picture but the Government is listening to our concerns.

Cllr Gary Porter is the new Chairman of the Local Government Association

Drastic changes are needed to a lobby group that has served as an apologist for failure.

LGA says it will continue employing former Rotherham Council leader

Yet again the Local Government Association defends the indefensible.