General Election
Setting out the foundation of a long-term housing plan
Over the coming weeks, CCN will outline a host of different reforms, from improving delivery of all housing tenures to resourcing planning departments better, writes Simon Edwards.
Carving out a financial solution
With local government currently in the spotlight in General Election year, Dr Jonathan Carr-West looks at ways councils can capitalise to make their case for funding reforms.
EXCLUSIVE: No pay offer until after local elections
Local government employers will not make a pay offer until after the upcoming local elections in May, The MJ understands.
Making economic development a statutory duty for councils would be a rare win-win
The sector wants to make economic development services a statutory duty for councils. Abdool Kara says the challenge for local authorities is to open the Treasury’s eyes to the prize it considers could be available.
Local investment can reap national rewards
Sir Bob Neill feels the Budget was an opportunity to provide financial aid for councils, which in turn will help the Government deliver national policies – but has the chancellor taken the chance?
What the Budget will mean for councils
David Phillips says a focus on tax cuts in the upcoming Budget does not mean councils will go completely unmentioned – but what happens in the next Spending Review will be more important.
The peer challenge
A reformed House of Lords must imply a new role in Parliament for local government leaders, says Michael Burton.
Budget: Expect plenty of smoke and mirrors politics
The sector should expect more tax cutting smoke and mirror solutions at this year’s Budget, says Zoë Billingham. She warns: ‘There’ll be no hiding from the fact that taxes will be rising very clearly locally.’
T’is the season!
The possibility of a UK Parliamentary General Election on 2 May combined with local polls is the plan causing most concern in the electoral sector, says Peter Stanyon.
Oflog independence row stems from broken relationships
The concerns over Oflog’s independence illustrate councils’ low level of faith in Government, which stems from Government’s evident low level of faith in local authorities, says Paul Marinko.
‘There’s no national growth without local growth’
With an eye on the upcoming Budget and the General Election, Greg Clark outlines why local government must have a prominent place in any plan for UK economic growth.
Voter ID legal challenge launched
A legal challenge has been mounted against the Government over voter ID requirements for elections.
Sunak doesn't accept the council tax system is broken
Without the additional £17m a year Somerset Council could have generated through council tax the future looks very bleak indeed, says leader Bill Revans.
General Election manifestos begin to take shape
Labour is gearing up for the looming General Election by beginning work on its manifesto.
London stalling?
Nick Bowes sets out the reasons why more progress hasn’t been made on devolution in London and looks at what’s likely to happen next.
Reform council tax to level up
Henri Murison says the archaic council tax system has to change – and work should begin immediately on a revaluation of all properties in England before the General Election.
Don’t just ‘hope’ for change
Matthew Taylor argues change in the healthcare system needs to come from the bottom up as well as top down, regardless of who wins the next General Election.
Rayner floats three-year pay deal
An incoming Labour Government could throw its weight behind a longer-term pay deal for the sector to avoid the embarrassment of strikes, well-placed sources have suggested.
It cannot be about the way we cut the cake, but the size
With a General Election on the horizon the one thing the sector needs – financial certainty – will be last on the agenda, says Michael Hudson. But it has never been more important for local government to speak with a collegiate voice, he adds.
Is it going to be giveaways or propping up councils?
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has asked Treasury staff to scout for potential cash for local government, and he received news of a fiscal windfall this week. Could that mean a boost to the settlement, asks Heather Jameson.