Brexit
N Ireland chief robustly defends decision to send Brexit letter to Cabinet Office
The chief executive of Mid and East Antrim BC has robustly defended her decision to send a controversial letter on Brexit and the Northern Ireland Protocol to the Cabinet Office.
Will Zoom speed up reform?
As the Government plans a new round of public sector reform Michael Burton considers the impact of the Zoom revolution.
Is Government brave enough for post-pandemic reform?
There is a blueprint for public sector reform ready for the post-pandemic era, says Heather Jameson. 'It just remains to be seen if the Government can do the right thing – and resist the urge to centralise.'
The risks of Sunak’s freeports
The freeports policy is poised to be a main plank of the levelling up agenda. But there are concerns they could become hotspots for organised crime – risks that could lead to significant extra burdens for councils. Paul Marinko reports.
What next for placemaking? A checklist for local leadership teams
A new paper lays out an agenda for local economic renewal post COVID and Brexit, along with seven practical steps for leadership teams to consider, says David Marlow.
Sparking a digital revolution in the Thames Estuary
Catalysing best-in-class digital infrastructure in the Thames Estuary is key to providing benefits for local residents, workers and visitors, says Kate Willard.
BUDGET 2021: £220m fund to move away from European funding
The Government announced a £220m fund in the Budget as part of the move away from European funding after Brexit.
How to support local real estate projects post Brexit
Councils supporting local real estate development must adhere to a new subsidy regime following the revocation of EU state aid rules, explains Clive Bleasdale.
Whatever happened to Devo 3.0?
Devolution is here to stay ‘no matter if the Government’s preferred phrase is now place and if they want to talk in terms of levelling up not rebalancing’, says Steve Barwick of DevoConnect.
Experienced drivers wanted
Let our localities choose which local delivery vehicles should drive growth and recovery from government’s post-Brexit cash pots, writes Localis chief executive, Jonathan Werran.
Take a breath and take stock
It seems likely that we are facing the biggest challenge to our economy since the 1940s, says Mike Emmerich. ‘Now as much as ever we need the power of the state to be used to sustain and support the economy,’ he believes.
State aid replacement unveiled
The Government has today published plans for a ‘subsidy control system’ that will apply to councils.
Guidance to 'reduce burdens' in pandemic issued
Councils will be allowed to deprioritise some trading standards and health and safety work to focus on tackling the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit disruption.
A ‘bottom up’ response to Brexit
Paul Frainer thinks we are at a crossroads economically, socially and environmentally, ‘and Brexit is just one part of that complex system’.
New procurement rules – a chance to have your say
Helen Randall at Trowers & Hamlins outlines the major changes to procurement rules proposed in the Green Paper. For councils, this could mean co-designing evaluation criteria with health and other tiers of government.
Don’t forget our youth workers
Government needs to put as much focus on resourcing the children and young people’s workforce as it does on ensuring the sustainability of the of the sector in the short term, argues Jenny Coles.
Knowing when to hit the dance floor
GatenbySanderson’s Phil Whitman outlines the importance of embracing adaptive leadership in public services.
A hard act to follow
Neil McInroy steps down this year as chief executive of the Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES). Ann McGauran talks to him about his legacy and the challenges ahead for the UK.
Top insights on adversity
Leadership in local government was tested in 2020 like never before. Here, chief executives reflect on the lessons they will take with them into this year and beyond. Ann McGauran reports.
Levelling up our health and wealth
The current challenges can be a catalyst for a major rethink about how national and local government spends and invests to create better communities, says Solace spokesperson for economic prosperity Robin Tuddenham.
