Economic growth
No timescale for 100% business rates retention
The Government has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to 100% business rates retention but ignored calls to detail a timeframe for implementation.
Leading the charge on town centre revival
Alan Harris looks at what councils can take from the recent Grimsey Review and suggests where it did not go far enough.
Where next for the Northern Powerhouse?
The current Northern Powerhouse debate is based on a very conventional model of economic growth. Sarah Longlands believes the North can carve out a more progressive economic trajectory.
Manufacturing can still be key to business rate income
Manufacturing across the UK is doing surprisingly well, but clouds on the horizon could hamper business rate growth, writes Michael Burton.
Ministers to 'super charge' LEP performance
Ministers have published plans to ‘super charge’ the performance and accountability of Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) following a review.
Ramping up the benefits of IAMP
The breaking of ground on the £400m International Advanced Manufacturing Park at Tyneside will herald a new era for the North East’s growing advanced manufacturing sector. Cllr Iain Malcolm and Cllr Graeme Miller explain.
Mid-sized cities’ common ground
Cllr Peter Box highlights the findings of the Key Cities Group report on the challenges and the benefits which can be achieved by the UK’s 20 mid-sized cities.
Building an inclusive economy in Kirklees
Neil McInroy and Cllr Shabir Pandor explain how Kirklees’ new approach to economic development in the borough is informing the council’s inclusive growth agenda.
Local transport bodies need greater freedoms
Local economies suffer due to transport disruption. Cllr Judith Blake explains what cities need if they are to take control of their local networks.
Breathing life into the high streets
Sam Clayden looks at two new reports urging a full re-purposing of the British high street in response to the chaos caused by changing lifestyles and technological advances.
The key commercial property considerations for local industrial strategies
Andrew Carter outlines the findings of a new Centre for Cities report on local industrial strategies and city centres.
Funnel business direct to the regions not via Heathrow
Michael Burton explains why he doesn't buy the Heathrow Airport's argument that benefits will stream northwards if the new runway is built.
EXCLUSIVE: Doubts raised over local industrial strategies rollout
Concerns have been raised over the future of local industrial strategies, amid fears Whitehall will fail to push the policy further than just a few urban areas.
Social care green paper delayed - again
The long-awaited social care green paper has been further delayed until the autumn after repeated Whitehall insistencies it was on track.
Painting with a new brush
Heather Jameson talks to newly-announced London Councils chair Cllr Peter John about the association’s plans for the future after a significant shake-up of personnel and the need to establish a unified set of priorities for the benefit of all London local authorities.
Councils to oversee 'new town' corps
Councils will be able to seek government approval to set up New Town Development Corporations (NTDCs) under plans announced by housing minister Dominic Raab.
WMCA links 'cranes to communities' with new growth unit
The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has created a new inclusive growth unit in a bid to boost opportunities for residents.
Sector piles pressure on Government over EU funding
Pressure is mounting for an overhaul of how EU funding is distributed when it is replaced post-Brexit.
Working to get our people up and running
Paul Najsarek outlines the ambitions of the West London Alliance work and health programme – a social and economic partnership involving Ealing LBC designed to support the community financially, in work and in health.
Sector backs MPs' business rates call
Local government bodies have thrown their support behind a call by MPs for retained business rates to be treated as extra income.