Gary Porter
Government's building safety appointment was 'a mistake', says Porter
Former Local Government Association (LGA) chairman Lord Porter has branded the appointment of Dame Judith Hackitt as government adviser on a new building safety regulator ‘a mistake’.
‘Reform of this broken system cannot come soon enough’
The first phase report of the Grenfell public inquiry may have focused on the weaknesses in the fire and rescue service’s response, but there was much for local authorities to take away, says Paul Marinko.
Confidence collapses as statutory services face meltdown
Research by LGA reveals councils will struggle to meet legal obligations within three years.
The clock is ticking on the push for devolution
There will be little bandwidth for local government policy in the coming months, says Heather Jameson. Her lesson to the victor of the LGA's very own leadership election is: don't wait.
Bringing in the changes
If the Government fails to adequately fund local government there is a real risk to the future financial viability of some services and councils, writes Mark Lloyd as the LGA annual conference gets into full swing.
Councils must fill the vacuum at the top of government
Some might argue that central Government should be the sector to provide the reassurance to local government that it has a clue about what to do next, says Michael Burton
Jamieson beats Simmonds and Fleming to take over from Porter
Central Bedfordshire Council leader James Jamieson will be the next Local Government Association (LGA) chairman, The MJ understands.
LGA politics in a time of turmoil
As the sector descends on Bournemouth for the Local Government Association conference this week, the four political groups outline their priorities for the coming year.
Devolution agenda ‘going backwards’ – Lord Porter
The devolution agenda has ‘gone backwards,’ the outgoing chairman of the Local Government Association (LGA), Lord Porter, has said.
Last orders
Lord Gary Porter of Spalding, chairman of the Local Government Association, is getting ready to step down after his four-year term. Heather Jameson talks to him about his legacy – and the highs and lows of his time at the top.
Gary’s leaving his mark
Local Government Association (LGA) chairman Lord Porter has got to be local government’s comeback king, hauled back from the brink of retirement more times than Frank Sinatra.
Are LA housing companies the way forward?
Councils are increasingly creating companies to deliver their social housing needs, The MJ and Norse recently organised a round table debate to discuss the barriers to delivering housing delivery through these vehicles. Michael Burton reports
United view?
Chair of the LGA Lord Porter says the smaller unitaries have ‘probably a larger number of councils close to the edge’. But as Ann McGauran reports, it may be hard to generalise about the financial health of this ‘disparate group’.
Porter in top up cash call
Councils will need a cash top up if the political turmoil forces the new Prime Minister to delay plans for a three-year Spending Review, Local Government Association (LGA) chairman Lord Porter has warned.
EXCLUSIVE: Fight for oversight
Brokenshire moves to impose fresh conditions on ‘top slice’ cash
Fresh push on apprenticeship levy reforms
A broad coalition to push for more flexibility in the apprenticeship levy could be formed to mark the two-year anniversary of the reforms, The MJ understands.
May’s made her mark
It’s official. We are lucky enough to live under one of the best prime ministers of this century.
Porter: Grenfell is sector's biggest shame
The chairman of the Local Government Association (LGA) has expressed his regret at being unable to make enough of a difference after the Grenfell Tower fire.
Standards bearers
The local standards regime for councils has faced allegations that it is insufficiently robust. Will the 20th report from the Committee on Standards in Public Life on ethics in local government lead to positive change? Heather Jameson reports
The camera never lies
Politicians go to great lengths to portray the best possible public image while on the campaign trail.