James Evison
GIB sale ‘won’t affect investment landscape’
The sell-off of the Green Investment Bank (GIB) will impact future sustainability opportunities for councils, but will not create an immediately poorer investment landscape, Greenpeace has said.
AWM is top bidder for £14m waste deal
Bradford City Council has named Associated Waste Management (AWM) as the preferred bidder for a potential £14m, 12-year waste treatment contract.
MacDonald commits to £6m Lambeth scheme
Plans to undertake a large-scale regeneration project in Lambeth have moved a step closer with contractor Mott MacDonald appointed for a development management contract.
Trio of Welsh authorities sign IT deal to tackle early intervention
Three Welsh councils have signed up to Capita IT software to help address issues impacting vulnerable children and families.
Metro mayors must deliver bold socio-economic vision
A ‘bold social and economic vision’ needs to be delivered if metro mayors are to be a success, according to a business lobby group.
Inflexible funding may scupper apprenticeship levy
London Councils has warned a lack of flexibility on funding for apprenticeships could scupper the new levy scheme.
UKHCA wants less demanding contracts from local authorities
Councils need to provide less burdensome, long-term contracts to help struggling homecare providers, the UK Home Care Association (UKHCA) has urged.
Sector needs to change mindset on purchasing
Public sector bodies including councils must ‘change their mindset’ on cross-working with the private sector and academics on procurement, according to an international law firm.
Council venture to deliver cost benefits
Westminster City Council has launched a cost-saving service with procurement consultancy, 4C Associates.
Interim directors to leave Wolverhampton
Two interim directors are leaving Wolverhampton City Council, it has been announced.
Bournemouth looks to axe chief executive role
Bournemouth councillors will be asked to vote on making the role of chief executive redundant.
Social care demand strategies criticised
Poor support and rapid hospital discharge processes for adult social care could be costing councils more in the long-term, according to a new report by the Institute of Public Care (IPC).
Authority forced to reveal £500m contract details
Gloucestershire CC has been forced by a government tribunal to publish full details of its largest ever contract.
Virgin Care sues Surrey CC over ‘flawed’ deal
Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Care Services is suing Surrey CC over the procurement process of a children’s services contract.
‘Fine PwC for failed audit,’ says watchdog
The UK’s accountancy watchdog has proposed PwC be fined £6m for failings in its audit of collapsed social housing maintenance company Connaught.
White paper reform a ‘missed opportunity
Newport City Council has labelled the Welsh Government’s white paper on local government reform ‘disappointingly traditional’ and a missed opportunity.
Council creates stand-alone capital investment vehicle
The first stand-alone capital investment vehicle in the north-east has been created by Durham Council.
Mole Valley chief lands role at warring DC
Yvonne Rees has been named as the new chief executive of South Northamptonshire and Cherwell DCs at a time when Oxfordshire districts have become embroiled in a bitter spat with the county over unitary plans.
Christchurch mulls ‘Chrexit’ referendum on borough merger
Potential for a referendum on whether Christchurch BC should remain separate or merge with other Dorset local authorities - dubbed 'Chrexit' - will be discussed by councillors next week.
Regional approach to immigration hailed as ‘a common sense idea’
Reports that Brexit secretary David Davis is open to a regional approach to immigration have been welcomed by think-tanks.