Infrastructure
Clause 16 could 'emasculate' districts
The Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill 'makes unacceptable provision to transfer district functions to a county combined authority by regulations', says Ian Miller. The 'howling gap' is the lack of requirement for districts' consent, he adds.
The NAO will be paying close attention to the progress of levelling up
Abdool Kara says it is straightforward to direct Government capital and infrastructure cash towards the places the market is not investing in, albeit how such places are prioritised can be contested. It is a harder task for revenue spending.
Appetite for construction?
The Levelling Up department’s wish to see a council housebuilding revolution will require an increase in capacity, but also political confidence and professional leadership for managing risk and finance, writes Jonathan Werran.
London could lose out if new infrastructure levy is pooled
There is ‘real fear’ London will lose out if the Government decides to replace Section 106 agreements with a nationally-pooled infrastructure levy, a think-tank chief has warned.
Future Forum North: Government must take ‘a much more strategic view’ on funding
Central government needs to adopt a ‘much more strategic’ approach to funding local areas that places less reliance on bids for small pots of cash, says a council chief.
Future Forum North: authorities should prepare for big switch-off
Councils must ensure they are prepared for the looming switch-off of copper-based landlines, the Future Forum North has heard.
No time like the present to commit to buses
The importance of buses in levelling up cannot be overstated, but political ambition supported by tough funding decisions will required to realise their potential, says Andrew Carter.
Wales to consider bringing in tourism tax
A consultation on allowing councils in Wales to launch new tourism taxes will be launched later this year.
Missions misstep
When it comes to its 12 missions, the Levelling Up White Paper does not really enable the multiple, bottom up solutions required to deal with the key challenges we face, says Dr Jonathan Carr-West.
Pension schemes urged to invest in local economies
Local government pension funds will be targetted to pump billions of pounds into regional economies as part of the new Levelling Up White Paper.
Auditors in levelling up warning
The Government’s levelling up plans could be undermined by Whitehall failure to monitor what works when investing in local areas, auditors have warned.
Give us the chance to plan ahead
Chief executive of Great Yarmouth BC Sheila Oxtoby outlines the three key things her council is hoping for in 2022, including more freedom to respond to local needs.
Getting on with the daily job
Business as usual services must continue at South Lakeland DC with performance kept at the highest levels as local authorities in Cumbria await local government reorganisation and the formation of two new councils, says Lawrence Conway.
Councils promised tax overhaul
Reform of council tax, including devolved powers for local authorities, are among the plans in a co-operation agreement between Labour and Plaid Cymru in Wales.
It's time for a U-turn on rail investment
The Government must commit to delivering the Northern Powerhouse Rail in full, the eastern leg of HS2 to Leeds and vital local transport improvements, or face the anger of a betrayed North, says Dr Arianna Giovannini.
HS2 cuts will ‘hold back the north’
Dozens of council leaders have united to tell the Prime Minister the watering down of rail investment will hold back the north.
Rising to the biodiversity challenge
James Cross explains what biodiversity net gain, now mandated in the Government’s Environment Bill, means for local planning authorities.
To level up we need to invest in the place-based skills of councils
What is the best way to ensure that the Levelling Up Fund actually improves everyday life in the UK, asks Pooja Agrawal of Public Practice.
Two out of three councils have no electric vehicle charging point plans, research finds
Two out of three local authorities have no plans in place to install electric vehicle charge points (EVCPs), research has revealed.
Don’t forget London in the levelling up debate
A new report by a partnership of eight councils in east London makes the case for levelling up support and provides a compelling evidence base for it, says Cllr Darren Rodwell.
