Future Forum
The importance of ‘getting’ all the tiers of the local
A belief that central Government doesn’t ‘get’ councils was a theme at The MJ Future Forum. But Jonathan Flowers argues we need to look at our own localism issues.
It takes two
The past six months have taught us that you can plan as much as you like but sometimes the universe doesn’t want to play ball.
Some solid backing
As usual, The MJ’s Future Forum featured a host of the local government’s biggest movers and shakers giving their take on the sector’s major issues.
Get local government into the room – before decisions are made
Local government is far from perfect, says Heather Jameson. 'And that is before you consider the huge headache of how to fund councils in future. But local government is also the solution'.
Facing down the pandemic
A line-up of 13 top speakers delivered The MJ’s first virtual Future Forum on lessons learned from the pandemic and the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. Michael Burton and Heather Jameson report on the conclusions.
EXCLUSIVE: Nine regional chiefs deliver Whitehall ultimatum
An ultimatum has been delivered by the nine regional chief executives working closely with the Government on the sector’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, The MJ has learnt.
Future Forum: ‘Envy’ over councils’ speed during crisis
A senior civil servant has paid tribute to local government’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Future Forum: Pandemic forced digital drive
Residents interacting with their council want a similar experience to booking a holiday or shopping slot online, the chief executive of Bexley has told The MJ’s Future Forum.
Future Forum: Whitehall ‘lacks belief’ in councils
The relationship between local authorities and central government is holding the sector back, The MJ's Future Forum has heard.
Future Forum: Raising public awareness of social care is critical
Raising public awareness of the importance of social care is a crucial next step to delivering longer-term reform and redefinition of the system, say sector experts.
Future Forum: Spending chief highlights 'amazing financial pressure' on councils
The head of the National Audit Office (NAO) today highlighted the ‘amazing financial pressure’ councils are under in delivering existing services and new COVID-related demands.
Future Forum: Business rates retention is doomed
Moves to fund local government using the proceeds from business rates are ‘doomed,’ according to a financial expert.
The MJ Virtual Future Forum 2020
Catch up on the latest from The MJ Future Forum - The MJ's popular event which has now gone virtual.
Future Forum postponed
The MJ has postponed next week’s 24-hour Future Forum event until September 24/25 due to the coronavirus crisis.
McManus to speak on coronavirus planning
The vice president of the Association of Directors of Public Health, Jim McManus, is to address chief executive delegates about planning for coronavirus at The MJ Future Forum later this month.
Future Forum North: A partnership to deliver effective urban renewal
The English Cities Fund, a partnership between development and investment, presented a session on its projects at the Future Forum North. Its chairman Sir Michael Lyons describes its approach
Predicting the workplace of 2021 (and beyond)
In a lively session at The MJ’s recent Future Forum North event in Manchester Dr Nicola Millard, principal innovation partner at BT, looked ahead at tomorrow’s workplace. Here she outlines the seven ‘Ds’ shaping the future of work
Public services need an uplift in the economy
In an alternative universe where we had an extra £400bn a year of UK GDP we may never have had issues about adult care because there would have been the money to fund it, says Michael Burton.
EXCLUSIVE: LGA to provide vision to solve social care crisis
Local government will put forward its vision of a reformed social care funding system to the next Prime Minister following criticism of parties’ election policies.
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.
