News
UPDATED: Tories hold Tees Valley despite heavy losses
Ben Houchen retaining the Tees Valley mayoralty for the Conservatives proved to be the party's only glimmer of hope among a bleak set of local election results.
Edinburgh to confirm new chief executive
Paul Lawrence is expected to become the new chief executive of Edinburgh City Council.
Councils frustrated by Whitehall siloes, says chief
Whitehall’s siloed approach to city centre renewal has led to ‘real frustration’ from councils, slowed down projects and increased costs, a local authority chief has warned.
Government relents over broadening voter ID
Complaints were raised by ex-servicemen who were turned away at polling stations after producing veteran cards as proof of ID.
Re-elected Burnham calls for Right to Buy suspension powers
Greater Manchester’s re-elected mayor has called for powers to suspend Right to Buy on new homes under plans to build 10,000 houses across the region.
Councils pay £1m in data breach compensation
More than £1m has been paid out by 39 councils in compensation for data breaches in the past three years.
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Opinion
Sweet oblivion
The election results should give greater purchase for pushing through Rachel Reeves' take on industrial strategy and addressing the continued national productivity failure, says Jonathan Werran.
Gauging the benefit of productivity plans
At the least the new Government requirement for productivity plans will give a platform for authorities to show to their residents, and central government, all they have achieved through improving their efficiency and effectiveness, says Abdool Kara [..]
Doing the basics well helps us deal with the changes to come
If the last 12 to 18 months has taught the sector anything, it is that volatility remains a watchword, says Adele Taylor: 'But we also need to play our part in controlling and managing what we can.'
Sunak faces his countdown
Duncan Flynn says the clock is ticking very loudly for Rishi Sunak and he’s struggling to find the words needed to connect with a sceptical electorate.
Children and childhood must get the priority they deserve
A plan for childhood should have a focus on developing the workforce, as well as a national emphasis on improving children’s outcomes in a systematic way, says Andy Smith.
Changing the outlook on homelessness
With the number of homeless people in London alone reaching shocking levels and temporary accommodation costs eating into council budgets, Sir Bob Neill looks at possible solutions to the crisis.
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Best Practice
Pedalling a way to success
Essex Pedal Power provides bikes for free to those living in the most deprived areas of the county, and may lead to the creation of a national scheme. Julian Sanchez explains.
Analysis
Top Talent: Arts, culture and heritage
In its latest Top Talent feature, Starfish introduces the rising stars of local government leading the charge in championing arts, culture and heritage within their communities.
Private sector
Procuring an Active Wellbeing Partnership
Pivoting from traditional leisure services to focusing on active wellbeing can help build the long term health of communities. Duncan Wood-Allum from SLC explains how it differs from traditional leisure contracts
A call for transparency and accountability
Local government must confront pressing 'elephant in the room' issues head-on if it is to foster transparency, accountability and effective governance, says chief executive of Local Partnerships Adele Gritten.
Co-producing adult social care – the art of the possible
Alex Fox invites those attending the Spring Seminar to share with IMPOWER - at its workshop or on its stand - the stories of how their areas are approaching this period’s unique challenges.
