Economic growth
A landmark year for Waltham Forest
In 2019 Waltham Forest LBC became the first Mayor of London Borough of Culture - and won The MJ’s Local Authority of the Year category in the annual awards. Cllr Clare Coghill and Martin Esom talk to Michael Burton about the council's achievement.
Building thriving towns
Adur DC and Worthing BC are taking a stake in their local economies to catalyse investment in their places, based on establishing firm foundations to help local communities thrive, writes Martin Randall.
OECD will say our over-centralised system holds places back
Core Cities has commissioned the OECD to put together a new and radical report into putting in place the right policies to enable places to fulfil their potential, says Cllr Judith Blake.
How will Brexit impact UK public services?
A area of primary concern for CIPFA is the lack of an economic impact assessment on the Prime Minister's Brexit deal, says Rob Whiteman - and without that we are 'flying blind'.
Boston urged to ‘shout loudly’
The council has been told it should be proud of its achievements following a corporate peer challenge by the Local Government Association.
Council told to urgently overhaul company
Gloucester City Council’s arms-length market company lacks accountability and clarity of purpose, an independent review has found.
Stoke considers EU funding extension application
Stoke-on-Trent City Council is expected to ask for an extension to EU funding to support small businesses.
Ringing the changes
Localis chief executive Jonathan Werran on how the Johnson government might seek to tackle the challenges brought by its unexpectedly broad mandate.
To achieve inclusive growth we need to avoid 'peashooter' and 'piecemeal' policies
Government, at a very top level, must acknowledge the challenge of inequalities, says executive director of the Institute of Economic Development Nigel Wilcox. But we also need solutions to be developed and delivered with those 'on the ground'.
Basildon’s big ambitions
As Basildon’s 70th birthday year comes to an end, Joe Reay says the celebrations provided the perfect opportunity to rebuild the sense of civic pride that’s vital to a successful place.
Not a business as usual approach
Metro Dynamics has launched a guide for people working in and with towns that distils what it has learned over the past few years, based on eight principles. Mike Emmerich explains.
There’s ‘no single perfect solution’ on 5G
A vibrant and competitive market for ultrafast and gigabit connectivity across the whole of the UK is a must for our future prosperity, says Stuart Murray, partner at UK law firm TLT.
Future Forum North: IFS boss praises 'sensible' Labour tax proposals
The director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies has urged whoever is elected next week to look at ‘sensible’ dividend and capital gains tax proposals.
Future Forum North: Relationships crucial to successful regeneration
The relationship between councils, developers and funders is crucial to ensuring the success of major regeneration projects.
Future Forum North: ‘Lead for the place you are trying to create’
Chief executive of Manchester City Council and SOLACE spokesperson on leadership and learning Joanne Roney has set out a checklist for leading in a time of change and uncertainty.
Hull’s proactive approach to housing
Trish Dalby outlines how Hull City Council is meeting housing need through a proactive and partnership approach.
Retro-fitting councils around the 21st century
The MJ and BT recently conducted a survey of local authority directors to find out how they believe 5G will affect their organisations. The conclusions formed part of the discussion at a roundtable debate. Martin Ford reports.
Tory state aid proposals spark controversy
Questions have been raised over plans to loosen state aid rules post-Brexit under a Conservative government.
Ensuring our places’ success
The Sustainable Growth Index rankings reflect a dominant focus on economic growth over the past 20 years, says Rob Turner. He provides a checklist for ensuring strong economic performance goes hand-in-hand with broader measures of success.
Too many blurred lines
It is ‘small wonder economic development has failed to deliver in so many places’, says Nigel Wilcox. His message to a future government is that a confusing landscape needs simplified – and combined authorities seem to provide the best solution.