Inclusive Growth
Right time for the Western Powerhouse
Lord Kerslake says the launch of the Western Powerhouse complements the Northern Powerhouse and the Midlands Engine and sets out a programme of action to address the growing inequalities between London and the wider South East and the rest of the UK
Harnessing the best of the West
Ann McGauran reports on the launch of Metro Dynamics’ report making the case for the creation of the UK’s next wealth generator – the Great Western Powerhouse
A more ambitious devo agenda should have local government at its core
Local authorities are the backbone of democracy and should be at the core of the next phase of devolution, writes Arianna Giovannini. These principles should be ingrained in the devolution framework, she believes.
A Great Western Powerhouse is the 'missing piece of the jigsaw'
The ‘missing piece of the jigsaw’ for driving inclusive growth at scale is a Great Western Powerhouse waiting to happen, according to a landmark report launched yesterday at the House of Lords.
Measuring success is more than just boosting GDP
The past decade in local government has been dominated by pushing forward local economies, with subtle shifts in focus, but tirelessly chasing GDP, says Heather Jameson. But is there a new way?
What can local authorities learn from the local industrial strategies signed so far?
Last week Manchester Combined Authority backed by local public and private sector leaders agreed England’s second local industrial strategy (LIS). Adam Cunnington says local government is central to this process
Searching locally for the antidote to populism
How can local government leaders help cohesive communities to flourish in a time of growing populism and in the middle of a central political and policy vacuum? Ann McGauran reports
In-work poverty is the scourge of our time, says Miller
‘In-work poverty is the scourge of our time,’ former Solace president Jo Miller has told BBC’s Women’s Hour.
Unchaining social value
A new report reveals some councils are building social value into their procurement – but that senior council decision makers must take more interest in securing broader benefits when commissioning services. Hiba Mahamadi investigates
Councils urged to consider social value more strategically
Local authorities should assign a senior leadership role focused on delivering social value at both an operational and political level, a new report suggested today.
The people with the plan
Barking and Dagenham LBC is now three years into a change programme that puts people at its heart. Heather Jameson talks to chief executive Chris Naylor on the story so far.
Central-local relations at 'all-time low' - study
The relationship between Whitehall and councils has broken down, with local leaders feeling ‘disrespected and marginalised,’ according to a think-tank behind a major new report published today.
Redressing the balance
Localis’s report Hitting reset – a case for local leadership puts the argument for a complete transfer of powers from Whitehall to the local state. Ann McGauran reports
Delivering on the cities challenge
Cities face the huge task of boosting their economies and creating places where all can thrive post-Brexit. Chief executives from some of the UK’s largest cities joined a round table debate with PwC and Core Cities to discuss progress.
Northern Power Towns have found a voice
Several key towns along the M6 corridor should be brought together to co-ordinate their planning and development, because they have a crucial part to play in the Northern Powerhouse story, says Steven Broomhead
How to drive place-leadership in uncertain times
When shaping the future for local areas, early cross-party and cross-chamber engagement and strong leadership are fundamental to achieving a shared vision and project stability, says Sheila Oxtoby
Government ‘must deliver on Brexit promise’
The leaders of the UK’s less developed regions are seeking a guarantee from the Government that they will not lose out on vital economic development funding due to leaving the EU, says leader of Cornwall Council Adam Poynter
'Productivity deals' with big business needed to jump-start local economies
Councils should strike ‘productivity deals’ with the biggest businesses in their region to ensure residents benefit from private sector growth, a new report urged today.
Call for place-based Spending Review
The Treasury should develop a new national place-based Spending Review, the independent Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA) charity has argued.
Future Forum North: Sector ‘divided and ruled,’ claims Leeds chief
Leeds City Council's chief executive has issued a rallying cry for local government to come together to celebrate its achievements.