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Editor’s Picks

Legal threat looms as counties oppose Whitehall LGR ruling

Disgruntled county councils could slow down local government reorganisation with legal challenges to Whitehall’s verdict.

By Paul Marinko

REORGANISATION

LGR and the ominous signs for cross-council working

By Paul Marinko | 02 April 2026

Whether or not counties decide to legally challenge proposals, they are likely now to engage less with the process, writes Paul Marinko.

REORGANISATION

The Government has announced its decisions on new unitaries in four of the Devolution Priority Programme areas. But Essex CC is threatening legal action, counties are furious and the road ahead looks bumpy. Paul Marinko and Martin Ford report.

RECRUITMENT

Counting the cost of the wrong hire

By Ben Parsonage | 02 April 2026

The value of finding the right people within local government has never been higher and when it comes to the executive search process, getting that wrong doesn’t just bring a financial toll – it brings a wider price for the communities and entities councils serve. Ben Parsonage explains

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OMBUDSMAN

South Kesteven in clash with ombudsman

By Martin Ford | 02 April 2026

PEOPLE

Sector mourns loss of 'giant of English devolution'

By Martin Ford | 02 April 2026

Tributes have been paid to the former chief executive of Greater Manchester Combined Authority (G...

WHITEHALL

Fresh call for national Housing First rollout

By Dan Peters | 02 April 2026

A charity has called for the Government to lead a national programme that provides homeless peopl...

POLICY AND POLITICS

Government silence on planning fees control timeline

By Dan Peters | 02 April 2026

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has refused to indicate when co...

REORGANISATION

Legal threat looms as counties oppose Whitehall LGR ruling

By Paul Marinko | 02 April 2026

Disgruntled county councils could slow down local government reorganisation with legal challenges...

BUSINESS

Leisure firm enters administration

By Dan Peters | 01 April 2026

Councils are ‘committed to a smooth transition’ after Fusion, which operates a network of English...

Head of Early Years and Early Help

£90,126 - £98,319

Merton is an Ofsted rated ‘Outstanding’ authority—yet it is our ambition, our humility, and our drive to keep learning that truly define us. Apply for this job

London Borough of Merton

Strategic Director of Finance Operations

£117,061 - £129,288

Nottingham is a bold, vibrant, and exciting Core City at the heart of the UK, alive with potential and ambition. Apply for this job

Nottingham City Council

Strategic Director of Finance Strategy

£117,061 - £129,288

Nottingham is a bold, vibrant, and exciting Core City at the heart of the UK, alive with potential and ambition. Apply for this job

Nottingham City Council

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Head of Early Years and Early Help

£90,126 - £98,319

Merton is an Ofsted rated ‘Outstanding’ authority—yet it is our ambition, our humility, and our drive to keep learning that truly define us. Apply for this job

London Borough of Merton