Combined Authority
Now is not the time for Westminster to tighten its centralising grip
Reducing the spread of the virus requires Westminster to loosen the reins of power and to trust decision-makers in local and combined authorities to know what is right for their communities, argues Sarah Longlands.
Who watches the watchers?
Donald Graham reviews the recent history of local government standards and concludes two-tier and combined authority regions would give local independent panels some traction.
Academics urge fiscal devolution
Experts have told MPs that financial powers must form part of the Government’s devolution plans.
EXCLUSIVE: Shared prosperity fund to be linked to devolution
The new regime for doling out structural funding after the Brexit transition period will be closely linked to the Government’s devolution agenda, The MJ has learnt.
Call for Government to focus on hidden homeless
Central Government’s focus on rough sleepers is hindering efforts to help ‘hidden homeless’ families, it has been claimed.
The price to pay
If the Johnson Government values the institutions of mayoral governance as agents of levelling up, they will have to creatively fund and resource them, writes Localis chief executive Jonathan Werran.
Talks bring devolution closer for Yorkshire
Devolution came a step closer in Yorkshire this week as ministers met with leaders from across the county.
The metro mayor elections will indicate how much politics has realigned
The collapse of Labour's Red Wall should give the Conservative mayors of Tees Valley and the West Midlands cause for optimism, says Andrew Carter - but the most interesting mayoral election to watch could prove to be in Greater Manchester.
Mayors press for action to fulfill election promises
Newly-won Conservative constituencies in the Midlands and northern England have begun lobbying the Government for commitments to further devolution and capital spending.
Future Forum North: Call for towns and cities to make peace
The driving force behind the Greater Manchester devolution deal has urged towns and cities to make peace.
Too many blurred lines
It is ‘small wonder economic development has failed to deliver in so many places’, says Nigel Wilcox. His message to a future government is that a confusing landscape needs simplified – and combined authorities seem to provide the best solution.
EXCLUSIVE: Single tier fear reignited
County councils are being offered the option of unitary local government as part of a devolution deal, The MJ understands.
Putting the Power into the Northern Powerhouse
The Queen’s Speech pledged a White Paper to unleash regional potential. But Colin Copus and Steve Leach say the ‘democratic shortcomings’ of the Northern Powerhouse will worsen if the call for more radical devolution to the North is answered.
Devo paper to target 'structural reform'
Local Government leaders have urged ministers to consult them ahead of a White Paper on ‘structural and institutional reform’ of combined authorities.
Queen's speech: Devolution White Paper to set out 'structural reform'
An English devolution White Paper is planned by the Government, it has been confirmed in the Queen’s Speech.
North of Tyne unveils two new directors
North of Tyne Combined Authority (NTCA) has appointed two new directors to lead on delivery and development.
Treasury wasting money in funding of local government - report
The Treasury is wasting money in its funding of local government and needs to have a more place-based focus, according to a report from the respected Institute for Government (IfG) think-tank.
Best and worst authorities for inclusive growth revealed
Healthy life expectancy varies within the UK by as much as it does between here and Sudan, according to a new index ranking local and combined authorities on inclusive growth.
Taking back control from Westminster
Most Prime Ministers are surrounded by speculation on what they will achieve in their first 100 days. For Boris Johnson, he has just 99 days to deliver Brexit and the clock is rapidly ticking.
Mace chosen for university project
Project management consultancy Mace has been selected to support Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority in delivering a new university.
