Brexit
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.
Hats off to those who have worked tirelessly on the pandemic frontline
The efforts of local government at the pandemic frontline during the past year have been nothing short of heroic, says Heather Jameson. 'Never have local authorities been so ambitious, so innovative and so committed', she adds.
Levelling up the playing field
With relations between central and local government fraught, Emmet Regan explores whether the Levelling Up Fund provides an opportunity to hit the reset button in 2021.
What a year!
The MJ reflects on another year in local government, significantly influenced by the pandemic that continues to cause havoc heading into 2021. And there’s a reassuring symmetry to the way the year is ending. Martin Ford and Ann McGauran report.
Where now for the economy?
Uncertainty about the future has reached extreme levels, says Dan Corry. The mystery as to the Government’s instincts on economic and fiscal policy will probably remain, even as Brexit is sorted one way or another and vaccines come on stream.
Survival behaviour
Let’s be clear on the consequences of the types of cuts now being planned, says Martin Ellender. They are ‘tantamount to enforced self-vandalism in the name of financial survival’.
A good port in a storm?
Rishi Sunak says freeports will cut red tape and taxes for UK businesses. But are they the right cure for economically ailing places? Ann McGauran reports.
Council waits on Brexit funding
Funding is yet to secured for a building to handle new customs arrangements when the Brexit transition period ends next month.
Revolution for Welsh local democracy
The Welsh Government’s Local Government and Elections Bill is not a technical and legalistic charter, says Welsh local government minister Julie James. Rather, it will ‘positively transform the experience of democratic engagement and empowerment’
‘Challenges’ remain despite Brexit funding
Concerns remain about the looming end of the Brexit transition period despite councils receiving £10m to aid preparations.
