News
Report recommends fully funding social care through taxation
The public backs funding social care through general taxation, according to new polling.
Quarter of council jobs lost in nine years
A quarter of local government jobs have been cut since 2010, new data from trade union Unison has found.
Data quality concerns to come under spotlight
Finance directors are to look closely at the information the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government collects from local authorities amid data quality concerns.
Breathing space for next Chancellor
The public finances continue to be robust, offering the next Chancellor scope for tax cuts or spending increases in the Budget though total debt continues to rise.
Think-tank finds austerity holding back Northern Powerhouse
Increased devolution is needed to ensure the success of the agenda, the IPPR North think-tank has argued.
Combined strategy call to tackle homelessness
The Government should commit to a coherent combined housing and homelessness strategy, a report published today by a commission of experts has urged after a year-long investigation.
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Opinion
A shared passion for regeneration in Salford
Ten years ago, the English Cities Fund and Salford City Council submitted a plan for a scheme that would change the skyline of Salford, Greater Manchester and leave a vital legacy. Phil Mayall and Jim Taylor tell the story of the partnership.
Making modular work in Birmingham
Birmingham City Council completes its first modular home this month. Cllr Sharon Thompson describes how the implementation of modern methods of construction (MMC) is the ‘real game changer’ that can help address the housing shortage.
Clearing the air – a moral duty
Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram outlines the action the combined authority is taking to improve air quality and address the threat posed by climate change.
Merging the best of both sectors to create new garden communities
Andy Jarrett explains how joint ventures and garden towns – including the Otterpool Park joint venture+ between Folkstone and Hythe DC and Cozumel Estates, for up to 10,000 homes – will help the Government achieve its housing target.
Time to get the house in order
Trevor Hampton outlines why data needs to be part of your organisational DNA if you want to be ready for Artificial Intelligence (AI).
It’s time to scrutinise scrutiny arrangements
A round table discussion highlighted key questions about what the Government should be doing, says Rob Whiteman, including whether, in the absence of an Audit Commission, it should provide some oversight and coordination to review common themes.
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Best Practice
The risks and value of the care home market in Torbay
Torbay Council wants to influence the size and make-up of its residential care home market for older people. Ann McGauran summarises a case study included in the Local Government Association’s Productivity Experts Programme
Analysis
Are LA housing companies the way forward?
Councils are increasingly creating companies to deliver their social housing needs, The MJ and Norse recently organised a round table debate to discuss the barriers to delivering housing delivery through these vehicles. Michael Burton reports
Private sector
Serco signs deals worth £120m
Serco has put pen to paper on local authority contracts worth £120m this year.
Jobs cull for Kier
Kier Group is to cut around 1,200 jobs and make savings of £55m over the next two years amid a planned sell-off of many of its commercial interests.
We need to change how we deliver change
Mike Gibson of Ethical Consulting asks: Why waste valuable resources on consultancy when surely we should develop new and valuable skills which we can draw on when needed?