ACCE
Forging the future of local government
Joanna Killian, the chief executive of Surrey CC and the newly-elected chair of the Association of County Chief Executives, sets out her objectives for local government.
Infrastructure is crucial to maximising sustainable growth
Rishi Sunak’s administration will need to grow the economy quickly, and he could start on an almost blank slate with the planning reforms agenda, says Joanna Killian.
A fresh vision
A new report from Newton and the County Councils Network presents a vision for what the future of children’s social care could be and defines an optimised model for delivering it, say Luke Tregidgo and James Maker.
A nuanced approach to levelling up is needed
As Nicola Beach becomes the chair of the Association of County Chief Executives, she looks at the challenges ahead.
At times like this local government comes into its own
Anthony May looks at how local government has ‘pivoted to this new normal, perhaps faster than anyone could imagine’ – but many unresolved issues remain.
The pressure is building to talk less about climate change and do more
The incentives to act on tackling climate change are clear and present, but none of us has all the answers, says Anthony May. Learning together as a community of local authorities will enable better, more consistent and coherent plans, he adds.
Let's ensure the sector gets heard above the post-election hubbub
To get its voice heard by an incoming government, the sector should unite around the main themes - including funding, national policies for both adults and children's services, place-making, infrastructure and more, says Anthony May.
York’s rural champions
North Yorkshire CC has launched an independent rural commission, believed to be the first of its kind, to give a fresh perspective on the challenges faced by its deeply rural communities. Heather Jameson takes a look.
Moving up to the next level
Earlier this year, Suffolk CC’s peer challenge report said the time was right to drive leadership further, and ‘be bolder’. So how are leader Matthew Hicks and chief executive Nicola Beach faring? Ann McGauran reports
New audit code to bring commentary requirement
Auditors will have to issue a commentary on councils’ financial sustainability, governance and how they are improving economy, efficiency and effectiveness under a new code.
Shared ambitions
Colleagues shared their ‘passion, energy and commitment’ at the Association of County Chief Executives spring seminar despite uncertainty in virtually every local government agenda, says Anthony May
Striking the right balance
The County Councils' Network's journey over the past six years has shown just how crucial striking the right balance is to being an effective special interest group, says James Maker