Economists cast doubt on Tory Budget regulator plan
Conservative proposals to establish an independent Office for Budget Responsibility could fail to fulfil the party’s ambition of lowering public debt, senior economists have warned.
Labour local authorities hit out at council tax freeze proposal
Labour local authorities and trade unions have reacted with fury to the Conservatives’ proposals to subsidise a freeze on council tax increases, warning that vulnerable people would suffer from town hall cuts.
Town halls are beating their efficiency targets
Town halls have been praised for exceeding their efficiency savings targets over the past three years. Local government minister John Healey said councils were well placed to cope with a slowing economy.
Singular advantage, by Victoria Macdonald
The consolidation of three health and social care bodies into one super-regulator has ruffled feathers. But shadow chair Barbara Young insists the Care Quality Commission will put the focus back on people and standards. Victoria Macdonald reports
