Infrastructure
South-east in plea for funding ‘fairness’
Deprived areas in the south-east require investment as much as northern England, the chairman of Greater Brighton City Region has argued.
Sharing our specialist local plan know-how
Many councils simply lack the staff to prepare a local plan, but Richard Kay outlines how Peterborough City Council tackled this by deciding to share its spare capacity, providing important expertise to other councils.
Hertfordshire’s growing gains
Patsy Dell describes how collaborative working across the two-tier system has delivered a place-based programme that responds proactively to Hertfordshire’s growth ambitions and challenges.
2020: Time for a new era in local and central government collaboration
Chair of Key Cities Cllr John Merry welcomes both devolution and the Government’s stated ambition to prioritise investment in infrastructure ‘as this is something that our regions are crying out for especially beyond London and the Home Counties’.
Mayors press for action to fulfill election promises
Newly-won Conservative constituencies in the Midlands and northern England have begun lobbying the Government for commitments to further devolution and capital spending.
This will be a different Conservative Government
Head of local government at Grant Thornton UK, Paul Dossett, says the fact that the Conservative majority has been won by gaining seats in towns in Wales, the Midlands and the north of England will make a difference.
Flat profits, but strong order book growth for Balfour Beatty
Construction giant Balfour Beatty is heading for flat profits growth but has expanded its order book, according to a trading update.
A delicate climate
As a leading infrastructure, services and regeneration partner ENGIE UK has been helping councils towards their commitments to achieving net-zero carbon emissions ahead of the UK's target date of 2050. Paul Ford explains.
Infrastructure roll-out poses 'reputational risk' to Milton Keynes
Milton Keynes councillors have been told the authority faces financial and reputational risk over the roll-out of fibre optic broadband in the town.
Harnessing the climate change agenda for our future places
Climate change is a challenge, but the trick will be to harness the agenda to redesign our towns and cities for the future, says Heather Jameson.
Time for more than warm words
Bob Neill says the deadlock that has racked Westminster for the last three years means real action is now needed on housing, social care, energy and infrastructure.
Spending reductions have ‘taken a toll’
As the General Election campaign moves up a gear, Lord Bob Kerslake says the manifestos should be scrutinised to see if they recognise the need to restore local government funding.
We need a sector-wide perspective on PWLB rate increase
The sector might ask itself if a 'small' rate increase in the cost of loans from the Public Works Loan Board (PWLB) back to 2018 levels was the worst thing that could have happened,says Abdool Kara.
What have councils ever done for us?
George Thorley sets the changing structures and responsibilities of local government in both Scotland and England in a historical context – and says councils are best placed to solve national problems.
York’s rural champions
North Yorkshire CC has launched an independent rural commission, believed to be the first of its kind, to give a fresh perspective on the challenges faced by its deeply rural communities. Heather Jameson takes a look.
Queen's speech: national infrastructure strategy set for revamp
The Queen's Speech has pledged a revamped national infrastructure strategy designed to help support growth across the UK, as well as an aviation bill and proposals for rail reform.
Government to intervene over 5G concerns
Ministers are reportedly set to write to planning authorities urging them not to block the introduction of 5G technology.
Council chiefs in dark over 5G future, survey finds
Almost half of council chief officers are still unsure whether superfast 5G broadband will arrive in their area according to a survey by The MJ and BT.
Growing the grassroots - putting communities at the heart of place-making
Graham Duxbury of Groundwork says a new survey of community groups reveals the gap is growing between local need and the capacity to respond.
Javid promises devo White Paper
A new White Paper to devolve more powers to local areas was announced in the Chancellor’s speech to the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester today.