Brexit
'Growing our own' jobs will require investment in local councils
If Government wants to maximise the bang for its buck in levelling up the country, then it must start investing in local councils and allow them to skill up local people from all backgrounds, argues Paul O'Brien.
New subsidy rules unveiled
New rules on the awarding of subsidies by local authorities to businesses have been unveiled to MPs following Brexit.
Staying local but going global for investment
Just because we are no longer in the EU does not mean European investors have lost interest in the UK, says Michael Burton - and there is a strong argument to saying the UK's regions should be scaling up their lobbying presence there, and elsewhere.
Brussels bases to remain open despite Cornwall closure
Local authorities with a post-Brexit Brussels base have re-committed to the idea despite Cornwall Council starting the process of closing down its European office.
The top national job, that’s more local than you think
Heather Jameson asks: 'Who would want to be Prime Minister when it is the local government issues that he needs to solve?'
'Thousands' at risk as EU settlement deadline looms
Birmingham City Council has urged the Government to extend the deadline for the EU Settlement Scheme as thousands of people in the city are thought to remain undocumented.
Councils are owed certainty on funding
The Public Accounts Committee has published its fifth annual report. Chair Meg Hillier says there is much for local government to be concerned about and ‘even the best councils face real struggles ahead’.
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.
