IPPR
Council tax system needs 'fundamental reform'
The council tax system is ‘highly regressive and unsustainable,’ and needs ‘fundamental reform,’ progressive think-tank IPPR has argued.
Report urges levy on Northern Powerhouse firms
The councils that make up the Northern Powerhouse should be allowed to levy additional business rates to rejuvenate their communities, a think-tank has urged.
Further delay to devolution drive
The Government’s repeatedly-delayed devolution framework will not be published until after Brexit, minister Jake Berry has admitted.
EXCLUSIVE: Councils call for streamlined new burdens for Brexit
Councils have urged the Government to introduce a more streamlined approach to providing new burdens funding for Brexit-related costs, The MJ has learnt.
The real task ahead after deal or no-deal is to reconcile the bitter divisions
If we are to overcome the divisive nature of Brexit, we must let people into the decision-making process - and devolution provides an ideal test bed for new democratic innovation, says Sarah Longlands.
Female empowerment is in need of a boost
Women are under-represented in local government leadership roles and the West Midlands is behind the rest of the UK. Ann McGauran examines how this imbalance can be rectified
IPPR backs radical tax reforms
Replacing council tax with a new property tax could help tackle wealth inequality, a new report has claimed.
The North finds its voice
On 6 September I attended the first Convention of the North in Newcastle. This was an historic gathering of political, civic and business leaders from across the North, in the Baltic Galleries on the banks of the Tyne and a fitting venue in which to forge a new spirit of collaboration.
Immigration benefits lost due to cuts
Government cuts to councils have meant the economic benefits of migration are being lost, new research has found.
Where next for devolution?
Gill Morris reflects on a panel discussion looking at the future of the devolution agenda and what policy measures need to be examined.
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.
The democratic dimensions of the Suffragettes' victory
Ed Cox looks at what last week's centenary of the 1918 Representation of the People Act means for our democracy today.
What happened to county devolution?
Cllr Paul Carter says the Government needs to devolve to two-tier areas as well as just cities.
Call for more women in local government
Council leaders have admitted that the move towards gender balance in local government should be made at a ‘faster pace’.
Local government has failed to offer a stirring vision of the future
Imagination is needed more than ever in local government, writes Ed Cox.
Clear framework will ‘aid devolution’
County councils and experts have welcomed a Conservative Party manifesto pledge to create a devolution framework and ditch the mayoral requirement for rural areas.
Dear metro mayors, unite to seize an even bigger prize
Ed Cox addresses the six elected mayors directly, calling on them to join together and form an unstoppable coalition.
Health devo put on hold but not dropped
Plans for further health devolution in London have been put back again, but not been dropped, according to sources close to the deal.
The North must unite after Article 50 is triggered
As Theresa May initiates the UK's divorce from the EU, Ed Cox urges leaders in the North to take back control.
Council for the North 'vital for regional strategy’
Fresh calls have been made for a ‘mezzanine tier of government’ across the North to make major strategic decisions.