Cost of living
Costly housing crisis support crowds out prevention
Jon Rowney says financial pressure on councils caused by the lack of affordable homes risks becoming overwhelming. 'A more outcomes-focused and systemic approach is needed.'
MJ Regen: Rebuilding Britain’s homes
What should the next government should do to deliver on housing? Cllr Darren Rodwell says there are no quick wins, but the current housing crisis needs a range of solutions.
Brent’s big turnaround
Brent has one of London’s highest poverty rates. Kim Wright illustrates how the council is working in partnership with several pilot initiatives to support residents hit by the cost of living crisis.
Labour’s local vision for growth
Adam Fineberg says Labour’s new localist Industrial Strategy is a manifesto aimed at reaping the benefits of more widely distributed growth across the country.
Crises to continue as we lurch towards a General Election
The MJ's 24-hour Future Forum summit cantered through a collection of catastrophes, says Heather Jameson. 'Perhaps we ought to conclude that watching local government is more like the Anatomy of a Fall. But at least it’s not quite Oppenheimer. Yet.'
Supporting communities together
Genuine collaboration between housing associations and councils can help them meet their combined ambitions for communities and neighbourhoods, says Felicity Hunt.
The impact of ending the Household Support Fund would be disastrous
The Household Support Fund is a crucial way for councils to help residents with the costs of living and should be top priority in the upcoming Budget, says Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton.
Don’t cut the HSF lifeline to families in distress
A failure to extend the Household Support Fund beyond March will be catastrophic for many people in the poorest communities, says chair of Core Cities Cllr Bev Craig.
Council tax bands need a regional overhaul
Heather Jameson asks: 'Will any incoming government rush to reform council tax? Will they be braver and take on wider public finance reform?'
Is leisure now a liability or an opportunity to support healthier communities?
The three key challenges being faced by council leisure services can be addressed positively to protect services and deliver greater benefits to communities. Leading consultancy SLC share their recent successes with local authority leisure procurement.
Cities find their future
Cllr John Merry looks back at Key Cities’ successes and considers what he would like the network and local government to achieve during the next decade.
It's time to sufficiently acknowledge and fund councils' safety net role
Councils have had to rise to the challenge of a national social security system which is fragmented - and the uncertainty over the future of the Household Support Fund is symptomatic of a deeper issue, says Jon Rowney.
DWP fails to commit to continuing Household Support Fund
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has failed to commit to making the Household Support Fund (HSF) available to councils in 2024-25.
Social rents set for 7.7% increase
The social rent cap has been set at 7.7% for the next financial year.
Under pressure
Pressures are increasing in every local authority he speaks to, but with the need to bear down on the cost of living still pressing, this is not the right time for a big rise in council tax, says Greg Clark.
Autumn Statement: what lies behind the promises?
Despite a few helpful announcements from the chancellor in relation to cost of living and hospitality the reality is the overall outlook for Westminster residents remains difficult, says Cllr Adam Hug.
Fulfilling a crucial role for children
As directors of children’s services prepare to attend the National Children and Adult Services Conference, Ann McGauran assesses the challenges and rewards of this important role
Autumn Statement: end of Household Support Fund leaves gaping hole
The Household Support Fund is an essential safety net for families in crisis – removing it means there is nothing to break their fall, says chief executive of Barnardo's Lynn Perry MBE.
Autumn Statement: Living Wage hike places council budgets under pressure
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has confirmed the biggest-ever hike in the UK minimum wage – but the move places strained council finances under fresh pressure.
Let the citizens decide
Ross Mudie asks if the public hold the key to navigating economic challenges – and he highlights citizens’ jury research that says the chancellor should press ahead with rolling out fiscal devolution nationwide.