County Councils Network
Reorganisation: modernise or be damned
The distraction of reorganisation may be a step too far. Or it may be the big bang needed to transform local government, says Heather Jameson.
Is Boris in a jam on devo?
Boris Johnson’s levelling up speech was designed to kick-start devolution, quash the critics and calm the blue wall. Heather Jameson asks, did it succeed?
There's never been a better time to consider the future role of councils
We now have a golden opportunity to build on the lessons learned during the pandemic and elevate our organisations so they are 'even more interventionalist, proactive and relevant come 2030', says Nicola Beach.
Johnson: Bring your devolution plans to me
Prime Minister Boris Johnson called for local leaders to take their devolution plans to him in a keynote speech from the West Midlands this morning.
EXCLUSIVE: Councils push back over reserves raid threat
Council chiefs have pushed back as the Treasury eyes up the sector’s reserves in the run up to this year’s Spending Review, The MJ understands.
Counties can do the strategic and the local
The strategic abilities of local government to deliver national priorities locally and the real localism counties have shown could be a positive pandemic legacy, says Cllr Tim Oliver.
Special needs deficits to grow to £1.3bn in two years
A ‘spiralling deficit’ in special educational needs services (SEN) is expected to grow to an ‘unmanageable’ £1.3bn in just two years’ time, county councils have warned.
The levelling up White Paper must have proposals to match counties' ambitions
CCN’s member councils are putting in train ambitious place-based economic recovery plans, 'but they remain stunted by a lack of devolved powers available to metro mayors as well as significantly less funding', says Simon Edwards.
Surrey council leader to chair County Councils Network
Cllr Tim Oliver said recovering from the pandemic, rebuilding economies and tackling climate change would be priorities.
A nuanced approach to levelling up is needed
As Nicola Beach becomes the chair of the Association of County Chief Executives, she looks at the challenges ahead.
Local elections 2021: Counties buck the Tory trend
County councils have bucked the trend of Conservative success in the local elections on Thursday, with a mixed picture for the party.
Putting councils in the driving seat will bring the National Bus Strategy to life
Buses provide social, environmental, and economic benefits rather than just profit, says Peter French of the County Councils' Network. Councils are well placed to design a bus system fit for the future, he adds.
Seize the reins
The County Councils Network's new business plan for recovery and renewal puts forward evidence-based practical proposals to influence the Government's key agendas across six clear priorities, says Simon Edwards.
County set to walk out of LGA membership
Leicestershire CC leader Nick Rushton has said he will pull the council out of membership of the Local Government Association (LGA) at the end of the month.
Pandemic forces finance reform rethink
Whitehall plans for local government finance reform were thrown into doubt this week after civil servants indicated the pandemic would force them to rethink.
Counties scale up to the challenges
Counties’ ability to blend both a central and local focus means they should be further empowered to lead on transforming local economies after the pandemic, argues Cllr Barry Lewis.
Public health commissioning move 'illogical'
A suggestion from the body representing NHS trusts that the commissioning of key public health services should be removed from local government is ‘illogical,’ councils have said.
Plenty of reasons to be cheerful in the health and care White Paper
Cllr David Fothergill says while many of the 2012 health reforms will now be unwound, local government's responsibility for public health should be the one that remains untouched.
Starting from the wrong place?
The first White Paper on NHS reform in nearly a decade confirms England will be covered by statutory integrated care systems. Ann McGauran canvasses local government sector experts on the contents.
Social care should remain delivered by councils, says report
Tens of thousands of people could live more independent lives if councils keep hold of social care under government plans to overhaul health services, a new report has insisted.
