Devolution
Call to scrap two-tier local government system in rural areas
The ‘confusing' two-tier model of local government should be abolished and replaced with single unitary councils, a report has argued today.
A place-based approach to economic recovery
According to the latest analysis commissioned on behalf of the County Councils Network, counties are the most vulnerable councils to the economic impact of COVID-19. Paul Dossett argues they should be at the forefront of government plans to level up
Councillors in south east reject metro mayors, says poll
Seven out of ten councillors in the South East of England are against plans for metro mayors, a poll has revealed.
Reorganisation will deter potential councillors, report warns
Local government unitary reorganisation will slash the number of councillors and deter many from standing for election, a report for the District Councils’ Network (DCN) has warned.
Let's think carefully about the best scale for delivering public services
We have seen a lack of sophisticated thinking by Government about the level at which COVID-19 initiatives were delivered, says Abdool Kara - and it looks like this may be a key theme in the NAO's ongoing coronavirus-related work programme.
Give us the fiscal tools to finish the recovery job
Fiscal devo should work in England to boost growth, placemaking and social wellbeing as it does in Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland, says Jonathan Werran.
Clarke: Unitarisation vital first step in mayoral talks
Unitarisation of councils will be a ‘vital first step’ for negotiating a series of new mayors within the next decade, local government minister Simon Clarke has said.
Rugby kicks off unitary review
Rugby BC is expected to invite its neighbouring Warwickshire councils to jointly commission a review of future structures and powers in the county.
Sector faces 'battle royal' over reorganisation
Local government has been warned it faces a ‘battle royal’ with ministers appearing determined to force through reorganisation.
District leader hits out against 'super-council'
A district council leader has rebuffed the idea of a unitary council for North Yorkshire covering a population of more than 600,000 people.
North-east mayor back on agenda
Gateshead MBC’s leader has revived hopes of a north-east devolution deal by accepting that an elected mayor for the entire north-east region may be necessary.
We're not the 'parents'
District and shire county councils would all face abolition if the Government’s formula for the devolution White Paper is implemented, says Ian Miller. And let’s hope Whitehall doesn’t think town and parish councils will need 'parenting', he adds.
Building back greener growth needs a joint effort
It seems that even the business lobby is now on board with devolution, says Heather Jameson - and now 'we will need national, local and regional government working with the private sector to tackle the climate change and the economic crises ahead'.
CBI backs 'turbo charged' devolution
The business community will now back ‘turbo charged’ devolution, the director general of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) told a Core Cities seminar last week.
Clarke vows to 'finish the job' on mayors and create more unitaries
Local government minister Simon Clarke has emphasised the Government’s commitment to introducing more elected mayors and unitary councils.
Warwickshire districts vote on reorganisation
Stratford DC is to vote next week on plans to create a ‘super district’ with neighbouring Warwick DC.
Starmer to replace House of Lords with elected body
A Labour government will replace the House of Lords with an elected body of representatives from local and regional government, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer told a virtual Local Government Association conference session.
LGA shies away from reorganisation 'fight back'
The Local Government Association (LGA) has shied away from calls for it to launch a ‘fight back’ against reorganisation though senior members criticised any top-down approach.
Start devolution plans with a vision and purpose to unite
On plans for devolution, care should be taken not to start with structures and short- term initiatives, as important as they are, says Lawrence Conway. A future filled with hope, confidence and prosperity for the whole nation must surely be the entry point, he adds.
Sheffield devo deal set to be passed by Parliament
A new devolution deal for South Yorkshire will be laid before Parliament today, handing new powers and millions of pounds of funding to the region.
