Queen's Speech: Latest
See all The MJ's coverage of the Queen's Speech, from Brexit to devolution, voter ID and plans to tackle violent crime
News
Solace Summit: Northamptonshire chief calls for public sector 'alarm system'
The chief executive officer of Conservative-run Northamptonshire CC has called for a public sector ‘alarm system’ to prevent other councils failing.
Solace Summit: loans board rate hike 'an attempt to change behaviour' of councils
The Treasury’s decision to increase the interest rate of the Public Work’s Loans Board (PWLB) was a blatant attempt to alter local authority spending behaviour, a senior economist has claimed.
Solace Summit: Officers 'scared of doing their jobs'
Council chiefs have heard of the growing issues of bullying and harassment at the Solace Summit.
Devo paper to target 'structural reform'
Local Government leaders have urged ministers to consult them ahead of a White Paper on ‘structural and institutional reform’ of combined authorities.
Solace Summit: Roney says 'nothing sexy' about housing companies
Manchester City Council’s chief executive has revealed she remains unconvinced by the need for housing companies to drive up delivery.
Solace Summit: Not appointing can sometimes be the best decision
Failing to make a senior level appointment after a lengthy recruitment process can sometimes be the best decision, delegates at a chief executives’ conference have heard.
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Opinion
Time for transformation
With the Solace Summit underway, chair Gavin Jones tells local government to reverse public services’ polarity that sees demand as a drain rather than a resource.
All-round safety for our children
Dez Holmes explains the role of the recently-launched programme to support children’s services to tackle child exploitation in all its forms.
We're now a better organisation
Lawrence Conway says Lakeland DC's transformation programme Customer Connect has resulted in a better organisation, 'with a future and vision we all share and all work towards'.
Councils should get involved in world's largest anti-homelessness fundraiser
Former homelessness tsar Dame Louise Casey urges councils to support The World’s Big Sleep Out on Saturday December 7.
PWLB rate hike will slow down regeneration
The unfortunate consequence of the immediate 1% hike in the Public Works Loan Board rate will be a slowdown in town centre regeneration and housing developments, says Simone Hines.
Close co-operation to aid our communities
As Solace's annual Summit gets underway in Birmingham this week, president Martin Swales urges local authorities to work with others on building their local economies.
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Best Practice
Reaping the benefits of a whole-service approach
Leigh Zywek describes how a programme of long-term support for a young mother is making a vital difference.
Analysis
What does our sector want?
It seems the appetite for localism and fiscal devolution is outweighed by fears the burden of care will swallow up all the resources, according to the findings of a survey of chief executives. Heather Jameson reports
Private sector
Four Seasons care homes to be sold for £350m
A £350m sale of care homes has been agreed by administrators of the UK’s second-biggest operator.
Council reaches impasse with care provider over costs
Isle of Wight Council is at loggerheads with a care provider over mounting costs.
Strategic suppliers' share of public spending falls
The dominance of major suppliers to the public sector is being slowly eroded, according to newly-published figures.