Investment
Let LEPs get on with a job we’re doing well
As we build our recovery, it would be a travesty to lose the capability of LEPs just when local communities and businesses need it most, says Mark Bretton.
Going for growth in Warwickshire
Warwickshire CC has approved a business case for a £300m economic recovery plan to drive regeneration and support its medium-term financial resilience. Rob Powell explains.
Let’s bring a bold policy moment to life
It’s time to seize the opportunity of the Spending Review to level up support for children and families, says chief executive of the Early Intervention Foundation, Dr Jo Casebourne.
Tighter planning rules to protect communities from flood risk
Councils should ensure all planning applications made in flood risk areas are referred to ministers for approval under new guidance published today.
Councils should explore green bonds potential, urges report
UK local government should explore the potential of green bonds to finance investment in sustainable energy, transportation and building solutions, a new report by a cross-party think-tank has urged.
An opportunity to build back from the ground-up
With lockdown restrictions still in place and post-COVID economic recovery just getting started, now more than ever strong leadership from the public and private sector is needed to deliver at a local level, says Anne Boyd.
Achieving Ashfield’s Towns Fund vision
Ashfield’s Towns Fund bid won it £62.6m – the highest amount in the country. Theresa Hodgkinson reflects on why she believes the submission was so successful.
Pensions chairman surprised at preparedness findings
The chairman of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) advisory board has expressed surprise at a survey that found most funds unprepared for a major change.
We must stop the Treasury tail wagging the Government dog
Graeme McDonald senses 'much of Whitehall has a greater understanding of our challenges than for many years, but is handcuffed by the inflexible, rigid approach imposed by a shortsighted Exchequer'.
Government borrowing drops
Government borrowing last month at £24.3bn was £19.4bn lower than the same month in 2020 thanks to better than expected tax revenues.
Sharpening the commercial edge
The case for well-managed council commercial activity is one that needs to be defended if we want a mature and sustainable local state, argues Jonathan Werran.
'Project speed' gains pace in Cornwall
As part of ‘project speed’, Cornwall Council is reviewing its capital and investment project process to ensure each part is as efficient as it can be without losing the integrity of a sound, value for money decision, says Tracie Langley.
Strathclyde in divestment threat
Scotland’s largest local government pension fund will drop investments in fossil fuel firms that fail to act on the climate emergency.
Wolverhampton's i9 selected to house MHCLG's Midlands base
Two floors of Wolverhampton’s new i9 office building will be home to the first ministerial department outside of London, it has been announced.
Pension funds urged to play levelling up role
Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) funds could provide a £16bn boost to levelling up the country, according to a new report.
Devolution White Paper to be replaced by levelling up proposals
A levelling up White Paper will replace the long-awaited policy document on devolution and local recovery.
A blueprint for efficiency
The Government’s Construction Playbook was designed to streamline public sector procurement. Stephen Beechey says it has made waves in the industry, and here he outlines how it can help councils build back better.
Some Bold moves for Brum
Heather Jameson talks to Birmingham City Council leader Ian Ward about the search for a chief executive and his hopes for a bold recovery for Birmingham.
Meet the new breed of sustainable bonds
UK local authorities are well placed to access the capital markets through Envrionmental, Social and Governance bonds, and the range of projects they can fund is vast, says Christian Wall.
Ministers insist they did not interfere in fund prioritisation
Ministers have insisted they did not interfere in the prioritisation of places for two new funds.
