Local democracy
Public votes proposed in civil society strategy
Communities could be put in charge of facilities and decision-making put to public votes under proposals published by the Government today.
The localism effect
Comparing the approaches of an English and German councils, Peter Eckersley argues closer relations between tiers of government can empower local authorities to pursue more ambitious policies and maintain greater control over decision-making.
Christchurch reorganisation challenge defeated
Christchurch BC may launch an appeal after a High Court judge today refused its challenge to local government reorganisation plans.
Localis calls for 'big bang' devolution approach
Think-tank Localis has called for a ‘big bang approach’ to recast the relationship between Whitehall and councils.
In defence of voter ID
The subject of voter ID has divided many people, but Bob Neill calls for those sceptical about reform to catch up with the rest of the modern world.
Hillingdon wins social housing High Court battle
Councils’ power to determine how social housing tenants are prioritised has been strengthened by a landmark court ruling in favour of a London borough.
May to back north of Tyne combined authority
Prime minister Theresa May will today give the go-ahead for the creation of the north of Tyne combined authority.
Councils bring it home
Diary admits it was excited when it heard whispers that football was coming home.
Brokenshire considering new devolution models
James Brokenshire is considering new models of devolution as he seeks to extend further powers to local areas, the communities secretary has insisted.
Brokenshire pushed on Brexit
Local government has presented communities secretary James Brokenshire with a list of Brexit-related issues that need immediate solutions.
Voter ID in perspective
Jo Miller, in her role as a returning officer, argues that Voter ID is a very expensive way to tackle a problem that is not a top priority in the UK.
LGA Labour group to seek legal advice
Smith Square’s Labour group will seek legal advice over national party proposals to allow members to elect council leaders, The MJ can reveal.
East Midlands unitaries 'would help region compete'
Leicestershire CC’s leader has outlined his vision for unitary councils covering the East Midlands so the region can compete with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).
COSLA in tourism tax call
The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities’ (COSLA) president today called for more financial power for councils, starting with the discretion to introduce a tourism tax.
Northants commissioners plead for patience
Commissioners appointed to stabilise Northamptonshire CC this week asked for patience amid snowballing member frustrations about the way they have operated since taking office.
Mayors renew skills call
England’s directly-elected regional mayors today renewed their call on the Government for greater devolution of powers and funding over skills.
Magistrates can make a difference
Bob Neill asks why more local authorities are not making more use of the valuable skills and perspectives a magistrate within their workforce can provide.
Call for greater council oversight of academies
Ministers need to take control of ‘faltering’ academy finances or let councils oversee them, town halls have urged today.
Telford CSE inquiry delayed to involve victims
An inquiry into child sexual exploitation in Telford has been delayed to give victims a greater say in its formation.
Decisions, decisions
Mark Conrad reports from a recent round table tackling the issue of effective decision-making in local government.