News
£5.2bn and counting
The Local Government Association (LGA) will argue the sector faces a £5.2bn funding gap in 2020/21 despite believing the figure is an underestimate, The MJ understands.
Birmingham seeks £85m interim highways contractor
Birmingham City Council’s highways PFI vehicle has launched a search for a subcontractor to operate and maintain the city’s roads for a 15-month period in a deal worth up to £85m.
Six councils to mull £34m recycling plant plans
Six councils are to be asked to give the go-ahead for the construction of a £34m recycling facility.
EXCLUSIVE: Brexit blow as councils miss MHCLG deadline
Local government secretary Robert Jenrick’s flagship Brexit policy has been dealt a blow after dozens of councils missed the deadline for nominating a lead officer.
Tributes paid following death of former CIPFA president
Former president of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA), Gren Folwell, has died.
EXCLUSIVE: Fresh demand for place-based budgets
A fresh demand for place-based budgets has been made by the co-chair of an independent panel that first made the call five years ago.
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Opinion
Boosting jobs for older workers could alleviate social care costs
Social care needs more funding, but the state is missing a trick if it fails to increase employment rates among the more active retirees, says Michael Burton.
Appointment of new Treasury ministers bodes well for the sector
Chairman-elect of the County Councils Network David Williams reviews the organisation's key asks in its Five-Point Plan for Local Government - and says Rishi Sunak and Sajid Javid's new roles in the Treasury are good news for councils.
Everyday Britain's silent crisis in care
Ben Page says that while Britain is bothering about Brexit and more this summer, hardly anyone is paying attention to the 'much less talked about' crisis in children's services that's 'becoming acute'.
Putting it on paper
An 'extremely long piece of paper' helped her finance team to understand 'what an integral part they have to play for our stakeholders', says Adele Taylor.
Affecting change in more ways than one
Saima Ashraf has journeyed a long way to get to her current position of deputy leader of Barking & Dagenham LBC – and she has used her story to encourage other BME women to aim high within the sector.
Time to wake up
Paul Wheeler says the ‘slow death of capable local political leadership’ is hopefully a wake-up call to parties to invest in and support local politics.
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Best Practice
We’re here when times get tough
East Lindsey DC took on the chairmanship of the Strategic Recovery Group following heavy rainfall and a subsequent river relief channel breach. Rob Barlow reviews the emergency response and recovery phase.
Analysis
Mastering the art of commercial destiny
Solace has been considering how councils should best participate in the market. Eric Bohl reports on local government’s investment areas, and outlines the key tests for commercial plans.
Private sector
Mitie offloads catering business
Outsourcer Mitie has sold the catering and hospitality arm of its business in a deal worth up to £85m.
Councils asked for verdict on Persimmon overhaul
Councils are among the 100,000 organisations approached to take part in an independent review into housebuilder Persimmon.
Acquisition delivers revenue boost for Mears
Mears’ acquisition of a rival social housing business has helped drive up its revenues so far this year.