Brexit
The first big test for Boris from the Northern Powerhouse
The real test for the new Government is how much more power it is prepared to devolve to the Midlands and the North, reducing Whitehall interference and ministerial short-termism, argues Michael Burton.
Getting districts ‘match fit’ for the global stage
The District Councils’ Network (DCN) annual conference in Warwick will provide a golden opportunity to shape our post-Brexit future, says Cllr John Fuller.
The stage is set for districts to demonstrate their key role
We hope ministers take away the message from conference next month that it is districts, backed by long-term sustainable funding, who are best placed to turn the new decade into the roaring twenties, says Cllr John Fuller.
EXCLUSIVE: Government to build on Brexit working
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) wants to capitalise on the way it has worked with the sector over Brexit, The MJ understands.
2020: Time for a new era in local and central government collaboration
Chair of Key Cities Cllr John Merry welcomes both devolution and the Government’s stated ambition to prioritise investment in infrastructure ‘as this is something that our regions are crying out for especially beyond London and the Home Counties’.
Bridging the divide
The Prime Minister’s aim of bringing the country back together is welcome, says Lord Kerslake - and dovetails with the UK 2070 Commission’s findings on the scale and direction of travel of the imbalance between North and South.
How will Brexit impact UK public services?
A area of primary concern for CIPFA is the lack of an economic impact assessment on the Prime Minister's Brexit deal, says Rob Whiteman - and without that we are 'flying blind'.
Councils still shine after a decade of austerity
CIPFA's new resilence data tool is a 'dataset, not a crystal ball', says Heather Jameson. It shows that despite a decade of cuts, councils have weathered the storm. Wouldn't it be great to see how well they could do when the sun shines, she adds.
Brexit lead officers thanked after Yellowhammer stood down
Brexit lead officers (BLO) of local authorities in England have been thanked after no-deal preparations for the end of this month were formally stood down.
If wholesale restructuring is done it must happen in a manner fit for the 21st century
Jan Britton wonders what lies ahead for local government - and asks if the Government, ‘with its unlikely northern soul and mayoral roots’ will be the one to genuinely deliver on devolution.
What will Boris do next?
The new Government will need the sector’s help if it is to stand a chance of delivering the party’s ambitious domestic agenda, says Graeme McDonald. 'But the sector can only help if it is operating from a position of strength'.
Two out of three councils eat into reserves
Two-thirds of councils have reduced their general fund reserves over the last three years, a new report by Scotland’s watchdog for local government has found.
We want to work with new Government 'to help deliver on our shared ambitions'
One of Boris Johnson's key priorities must be to publish the provisional Finance Settlement quickly - and the LGA agrees with the Government's position that we need to get away from ‘Whitehall knows best’, says chairman Cllr James Jamieson.
Stoke considers EU funding extension application
Stoke-on-Trent City Council is expected to ask for an extension to EU funding to support small businesses.
This will be a different Conservative Government
Head of local government at Grant Thornton UK, Paul Dossett, says the fact that the Conservative majority has been won by gaining seats in towns in Wales, the Midlands and the north of England will make a difference.
Devolution revolution expected after Johnson wins
Local government was this morning expecting a devolution revolution after Prime Minister Boris Johnson secured a sweeping election win.
To achieve inclusive growth we need to avoid 'peashooter' and 'piecemeal' policies
Government, at a very top level, must acknowledge the challenge of inequalities, says executive director of the Institute of Economic Development Nigel Wilcox. But we also need solutions to be developed and delivered with those 'on the ground'.
Breaking down that segregation (a little)
It has not been the best advertisement for our democracy and most people will be glad it’s all over, writes Dan Corry. So why does he think the General Election process always does some good?
Not a business as usual approach
Metro Dynamics has launched a guide for people working in and with towns that distils what it has learned over the past few years, based on eight principles. Mike Emmerich explains.
The year that was
It’s been a year notable for things that never were – the Spending Review, social care Green Paper, devolution framework or, indeed, Brexit. But proof emerged that most male councillors are actually called John.