Cost of living
Labour’s local vision for growth
Adam Fineberg says Labour’s new localist Industrial Strategy is a manifesto aimed at reaping the benefits of more widely distributed growth across the country.
Crises to continue as we lurch towards a General Election
The MJ's 24-hour Future Forum summit cantered through a collection of catastrophes, says Heather Jameson. 'Perhaps we ought to conclude that watching local government is more like the Anatomy of a Fall. But at least it’s not quite Oppenheimer. Yet.'
Supporting communities together
Genuine collaboration between housing associations and councils can help them meet their combined ambitions for communities and neighbourhoods, says Felicity Hunt.
The impact of ending the Household Support Fund would be disastrous
The Household Support Fund is a crucial way for councils to help residents with the costs of living and should be top priority in the upcoming Budget, says Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton.
Don’t cut the HSF lifeline to families in distress
A failure to extend the Household Support Fund beyond March will be catastrophic for many people in the poorest communities, says chair of Core Cities Cllr Bev Craig.
Council tax bands need a regional overhaul
Heather Jameson asks: 'Will any incoming government rush to reform council tax? Will they be braver and take on wider public finance reform?'
Is leisure now a liability or an opportunity to support healthier communities?
The three key challenges being faced by council leisure services can be addressed positively to protect services and deliver greater benefits to communities. Leading consultancy SLC share their recent successes with local authority leisure procurement.
Cities find their future
Cllr John Merry looks back at Key Cities’ successes and considers what he would like the network and local government to achieve during the next decade.
It's time to sufficiently acknowledge and fund councils' safety net role
Councils have had to rise to the challenge of a national social security system which is fragmented - and the uncertainty over the future of the Household Support Fund is symptomatic of a deeper issue, says Jon Rowney.
DWP fails to commit to continuing Household Support Fund
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has failed to commit to making the Household Support Fund (HSF) available to councils in 2024-25.
Social rents set for 7.7% increase
The social rent cap has been set at 7.7% for the next financial year.
Under pressure
Pressures are increasing in every local authority he speaks to, but with the need to bear down on the cost of living still pressing, this is not the right time for a big rise in council tax, says Greg Clark.
Autumn Statement: what lies behind the promises?
Despite a few helpful announcements from the chancellor in relation to cost of living and hospitality the reality is the overall outlook for Westminster residents remains difficult, says Cllr Adam Hug.
Fulfilling a crucial role for children
As directors of children’s services prepare to attend the National Children and Adult Services Conference, Ann McGauran assesses the challenges and rewards of this important role
Autumn Statement: end of Household Support Fund leaves gaping hole
The Household Support Fund is an essential safety net for families in crisis – removing it means there is nothing to break their fall, says chief executive of Barnardo's Lynn Perry MBE.
Autumn Statement: Living Wage hike places council budgets under pressure
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has confirmed the biggest-ever hike in the UK minimum wage – but the move places strained council finances under fresh pressure.
Let the citizens decide
Ross Mudie asks if the public hold the key to navigating economic challenges – and he highlights citizens’ jury research that says the chancellor should press ahead with rolling out fiscal devolution nationwide.
Getting Britain building homes
We need to devise a system which ensures housing is built and we can provide the right mix of homes to meet the unique needs of local communities, says Cllr Sam Chapman-Allen.
Keeping the faith
As local government battles with budgets and rising demand, Heather Jameson spoke to Leeds City Council chief executive Tom Riordan about what he wants to see from the next government.
'Slim pickings and missed opportunities'
Baroness Sharon Taylor reflects on the King's Speech, and says it's time to stop leaving councils to pick up the pieces on their own and give them the powers to take back control.
