Infrastructure
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.
We can't tackle climate change alone
This summer, councillors in Craven voted unanimously to declare a climate emergency – joining a couple of hundred other local authorities across the country.
The Treasury needs to take a place-based view
In its latest broadside, the Institute for Government agrees with local government's view that because it is closest to services it is better placed to manage spending more effectively, says Michael Burton.
Where next for devolution?
The Government needs to turn its devolution vows into action, by showing that its renewed enthusiasm has solid foundations and is more than 'mere pork barrelling', says Arianna Giovannini.
Treasury wasting money in funding of local government - report
The Treasury is wasting money in its funding of local government and needs to have a more place-based focus, according to a report from the respected Institute for Government (IfG) think-tank.
A fighting chance to support development
Changes to how the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) can be used came into effect this month - and should give councils better opportunities to deliver infrastructure effectively to support development, say Tiffany Cloynes and Natalie Harries.