In this weeks round up, we are going to be examining a few key issues that have been taking place this week:- Fresh blow to Whitehall homes pledge after funding recalled- ICB staff cuts may hit “wider work with local partners”- More councils reveal cash woes- Seriously flawed proposals – ministers should drop the infrastructure levy and work with councils to improve the current system.- Councils kept in the dark over pandemic simulation exercise.- Shining a light on Wiltshire Council’s approach to housing refugees and the wider challenge of offering suitable long term housing for other desperately in need.

It was really exciting to sit down with Mark Watkins, Interim Director of Law for a number of councils, to discuss the challenges facing local authorities legal services at the present time.

We wanted to share why the Truth About Local Government podcast and platform was created.

In today’s episode, I have the pleasure of sitting down with Steve Caplan, current Interim Director of Property at Pembrokeshire Council. I have known Steve for a number of years, he is one of the most capable and respected property leaders, having led property functions at Derby City Council, Chesterfield, Shropshire and Bracknell Councils. Before joining local government Steve had worked across and led as a Director a number of client side and consultancy businesses.Therefore, we felt that Steve could offer a really insightful and balanced view to the challenges affecting local government property functions. Questions explored: - What do you think is the biggest challenge facing council property departments at the present time?- What are the biggest opportunities for councils at the present time?- Can you explain to the listeners, how and why councils made the decision to invest in property.- Do you think that property is viewed as an asset or liability?- Has Covid made any changes?- Why did you make the transition to work in local government having been so successful in the private sector?

A summary addressing Birmingham City Council's gender liability pay out, funding gap and OFLOG.