News
Cadman takes on Combined Authority post
Suffolk CC chief executive Deborah Cadman has been hired as the new chief for the West Midlands Combined Authority.
Grenfell fire council to discuss blaze in private
Senior members of the council heavily criticised over its response to the Grenfell Tower fire will discuss the blaze behind closed doors.
100% business rates retention legislation dropped
The Local Government Finance Bill has been dropped from the legislative programme, leaving plans for business rates retention in limbo.
City deals among promises in DUP-Conservative deal
Fresh devolved powers for Northern Ireland form a key part of today’s £1bn deal between the minority Conservative government and the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).
Fuller beats Saint to DCN role
South Norfolk DC leader, Cllr John Fuller, has thrashed his rival in the two-horse race to become the chairman of the District Councils’ Network (DCN).
Investment ‘key to capital expenditure’
Commercial investment by councils to generate income is a key factor in the upward trend in capital expenditure in the last year, according to a new Department for Communities and Local Government report.
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Opinion
Where next for local government financial reform?
With the falling of the Local Government Finance Bill, the IFS's David Phillips assesses where this leaves reforms to the sector's finance system.
Change to pension boards should be kept to a minimum
Local pension boards already have all the tools they need to play their vital part in the governance of the local government pensions scheme, writes William Bourne.
Terror, a tragedy and a lost reputation
The last few weeks have seen Britain hit by terror attacks and now the Grenfell Tower fire. The horror of watching an inferno, knowing there are people inside, will stay with us all for years to come.
Carter vs Simmonds: Why I want to be LGA Tory leader
Local Government Association Conservative Group leadership candidates, Kent CC leader Paul Carter and Hillingdon LBC deputy leader David Simmonds, outline their top priorities.
Finding the right commercial route to survival
Commercialisation is no guaranteed cash cow, says Joe Simpson, but by taking a few lessons from the markets, councils may not only survive, but thrive.
Let local government be the lead commissioner of health and care
Professor Graeme Betts argues for local government to become the lead commissioner across the health and care system
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Best Practice
Croydon's bold and budget-friendly alliance
Health and care integration is a cherished goal among politicians, civil servants and the NHS. Manju Shahul-Hameed explains why a cutting-edge partnership in Croydon now needs government backing to fulfil its potential
Analysis
A matter of trust
Steve Crocker and Chris Whitehouse explain how the Isle of Wight, through its partnership with neighbouring Hampshire CC, has delivered dramatic improvements to its formerly failing services for children - without the need for a trust.
Private sector
The varying models of local authority trading companies
Garfield Cameron highlights some of the best examples of local authority trading companies, but warns there is no singular model that will work for all.
The search for commercial minds and social hearts
While housing associations don’t always have the big salaries to offer, they do have great social and moral purpose and challenging work to offer, write Steven Burleigh and Ruth Lane.
Councils plan to launch more housing companies
Nearly seven out of 10 councils already have or are thinking about launching a housing company either on their own or in partnership, a survey has found.