Brexit
Public finances remain robust
The public finances continue to remain robust despite uncertainty over Brexit, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Ministers need to be mindful of the poll tax debacle
That an 'apparently esoteric' local government finance issue could bring down a powerful Prime Minister such as Margaret Thatcher should be taken seriously by today's government, says Michael Burton.
Crafting a solution for our sector’s funding
What the whole local government sector needs most is ‘stable, future-proofed planning’, says Rob Whiteman, and a one-year delay to the outcome of the fair funding review could be part of this process.
Shared Prosperity Fund consultation to start 'very shortly'
Consultation on the post-Brexit replacement for European structural funding must happen before the Spending Review, a minister has said.
We need a deal with EU that minimises all export barriers
The Centre for Cities' latest report highlights that an industry-by-industry approach to trade is unlikely to work for cities, says Andrew Carter.
Local government should factor in inequalities review
The UK's policy vacuum has been left to think-tanks, noticeably the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IfS) which has launched a five year study into inequalities. So far its panel does not include anyone from local government, says Michael Burton.
EXCLUSIVE: Council chiefs in Brexit plea
Council chiefs have urged Whitehall to maintain their focus on the potential impact of Brexit on the sector, The MJ understands.
White Van Man on... Brexit
The last few weeks have been like a breath of fresh air and for a while I couldn’t think why. Then I realised. No Brexit news.
Delivering on the cities challenge
Cities face the huge task of boosting their economies and creating places where all can thrive post-Brexit. Chief executives from some of the UK’s largest cities joined a round table debate with PwC and Core Cities to discuss progress.
Unfreezing social mobility
Social mobility has been stagnating for years, says a new report. How can councils help drive social mobility upwards and reduce levels of income inequality – and what’s holding them back? Ann McGauran reports
Rise of independents suggests localism is on the move
Brexit, which has split the two main parties down the middle nationally, has clearly also extended its reach down to local level. If this breaks the national stranglehold over local elections this is a promising outcome, says Michael Burton.
Let’s admit the failures of councils and their funding
It can only be a good thing if Government wants to increase governance, protect the public and improve services, says Heather Jameson. But it needs to start by ensuring public services are properly funded and admitting where they are going wrong.
The Government must develop a rural strategy
Rural areas are being left behind while the Government focuses on Brexit - and evidence in the Lords Rural Economy Committee report highlights the devastating impact of this, says Graham Biggs
Local government must lead the way on change
Britain post-Brexit won't be a mythical land like Game of Thrones, says Heather Jameson. But there will be much to do. Why wait for Whitehall to come up with the answers when so many solutions lie at a local level?
Government ‘must deliver on Brexit promise’
The leaders of the UK’s less developed regions are seeking a guarantee from the Government that they will not lose out on vital economic development funding due to leaving the EU, says leader of Cornwall Council Adam Poynter
Further delay to devolution drive
The Government’s repeatedly-delayed devolution framework will not be published until after Brexit, minister Jake Berry has admitted.
Anchors away
David Godfrey explains the symbiotic link between prosperous communities and productive places, and why Localis’ new report stresses the need to deepen the relationship between business and place.
EXCLUSIVE: Government to hear Brexit legal base fears
Continuing concerns around the future legal base of regulatory work after Brexit will be raised at the next EU exit local government delivery board, The MJ understands.
Government to push ahead with 75% rates retention in 2020/21
Whitehall will push ahead with plans to implement 75% business rates retention in 2020/21 despite calls for a one-year delay, The MJ understands.
Data demand over settled status bids
Councils have refused to give up after their request to access Home Office data on application rates for settled status was knocked back.