County Councils Network
Let's ensure the sector gets heard above the post-election hubbub
To get its voice heard by an incoming government, the sector should unite around the main themes - including funding, national policies for both adults and children's services, place-making, infrastructure and more, says Anthony May.
A vote for change
Local government calls for ‘radical change’ and ‘genuine devolution’ increased this week as political parties prepared to unveil their General Election manifestos.
Maybe it’s a fresh start for local government
Would the demise of business rates be such a bad thing for local government, asks Heather Jameson
We need 10-year settlements, LGA chairman says
Local government should have 10-year financial settlements to be able to forward plan properly, the Local Government Association (LGA) chairman has suggested.
Counties to press for 'devolution for all'
A call has been made for the next Government to increase the level of devolution to county councils.
‘Unleash the potential of counties’
The County Councils’ Network conference begins this weekend against the backdrop of the General Election campaign. Simon Edwards says a major focus will be on ensuring counties and local government get a fair share in any future spending pledges.
Councils ask General Election candidates for funding reforms
Councils have made their pitches to the parties vying for control of Westminster as the General Election campaign officially gets under way.
Councils ‘set up to fail’ on SEND
A committee of MPs has acknowledged the Government’s proposal for a significant increase in high needs block funding next year - but say it will make little difference without ‘a systemic cultural shift’. Ann McGauran reports.
We can change behaviours, hearts and minds on the climate emergency
There are great examples of the good work on climate friendliness by County Councils' Network member authorities, says Cllr Sam Corcoran - but there will be a limit to what can be done unless local government is properly funded.
Kent’s very own powerhouse
Cllr Paul Carter has stepped down as leader of Kent CC. Now he plans to apply his energies to local care and the vocational agenda, including apprenticeships. Ann McGauran reports
Devolution, Brexit and health pledge tops agenda
Heather Jameson says the Queen’s Speech could be the shortest-lived legislative plan in history – but if the Government has time to deliver just some of the measures there is lots of legislation for local government
EXCLUSIVE: Core Cities' £28bn Shared Prosperity Fund warning
The proposed UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) must be worth at least £28bn over seven years if the UK is to deliver its devolved policy objectives, a leading sector body has warned.
Government remains open to non-mayoral devo deals
The Government remains open to striking devolution deals without the requirement for a directly-elected mayor, The MJ understands.
A journey starts with a single step
Places like North Yorkshire have never been well funded by governments, according to Richard Webb. He says we will need to see the final departmental settlement detail of the spending round announcements, but at first look the news is very welcome.
Paul Carter to step down as leader of Kent
The leader of Kent CC, Cllr Paul Carter, has announced he is to step down after 14 years in the role.
£5.2bn and counting
The Local Government Association (LGA) will argue the sector faces a £5.2bn funding gap in 2020/21 despite believing the figure is an underestimate, The MJ understands.
Appointment of new Treasury ministers bodes well for the sector
Chairman-elect of the County Councils Network David Williams reviews the organisation's key asks in its Five-Point Plan for Local Government - and says Rishi Sunak and Sajid Javid's new roles in the Treasury are good news for councils.
Taking the next steps
Cllr David Williams steps into the role of new chairman of the County Councils’ Network in September. Ann McGauran talks to him about his priorities and plans.
Road to recovery
Dan Peters assesses the options available to local authorities as many begin to struggle with schools grant deficit recovery plans.
Calls for new PM to make council funding 'immediate domestic priority'
Calls have been made for the next Prime Minister to make council funding his 'immediate domestic priority' after Boris Johnson won the Conservative Party leadership contest.