Local democracy
Voter ID: Sledgehammer to crack a nut
New analysis from the Electoral Reform Society shows the Government’s voter ID trials were far from successful, writes Jess Garland.
Councillors welcome delay to Labour democracy review
Councillors have welcomed a Labour Party decision to postpone the local government side of its democracy review amid concerns that some proposals were ‘completely unworkable’.
Burnham: Devolution is our best hope
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has argued that devolution ‘offers the best hope of making Brexit work for the regions and uniting our uncertain nation’.
Ups and downs for districts
Ian Miller gives an overview of the latest decisions and indecisions to affect district councils.
What is the strategy for local government?
Lawrence Conway says the sector needs a unified strategy that is sustainable with forthright leadership and a focus on its goals and objectives.
Why ‘good’ consultation is key
The importance of public consultation, especially in the local government arena, can not be underestimated – but it often is. Politicians on a national and local level can survive or fail based on the effectiveness of this process, as John Tizard explains.
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.