Local democracy
Video conferencing first at council meeting
A council used software to help decide key planning applications in what is believed to be the first meeting of its kind in the country.
Changes to governance structures are needed in a time of pandemic
Decision making is a pressing concern facing local government lawyers due to the evolving pandemic, but it is not the only one, says Helen McGrath
A powerful light at the end of the tunnel
These are the most challenging times most of us have lived through, says Donna Hall – and ‘we can choose to close down or swim towards the light of a new community power at the precious heart of our public services’.
How are councils responding the COVID-19 crisis?
CLES is collecting details of local authorities’ innovative and exceptional measures to support people through the COVID-19 crisis, says Neil McInroy.
Councils respond to coronavirus outbreak
Councils have closed, events and meetings have been cancelled and some politicians are in self-isolation in a bid to stem the spreading of the coronavirus pandemic.
Plans drawn up for remote meetings
Plans to let local authorities conduct their council meetings remotely are being considered by the Government.
Budget 2020: New West Yorkshire mayor announced
A new directly-elected West Yorkshire mayor has been announced with the Government signing a new £1.8bn devolution deal amid plans to ‘level up’ the UK economy.
Building communities for change
In order to deliver sustainable and impactful change we need to take a whole place-based approach that involves deep understanding of what each group within a network contributes, says creative director at FutureGov Robbie Bates.
Political control of our councils matters
Paul Wheeler looks ahead to the elections expected in May and the parties' political prospects – and says that on current polling trends this set should be a good one for the Conservatives.
'Voter ID could disenfranchise certain sections of community'
Forcing voter ID could disenfranchise certain sections of the community, a House of Lords select committee has heard.
EXCLUSIVE: Shared prosperity fund to be linked to devolution
The new regime for doling out structural funding after the Brexit transition period will be closely linked to the Government’s devolution agenda, The MJ has learnt.
EXCLUSIVE: Councils call for say in devo White Paper
Councils are battling to ‘jointly craft’ the devolution White Paper ahead of its publication later this year.
How to make a citizens’ assembly work for you
Want to commission a citizens’ assembly? Here, three councils say ‘go for it’. But there’s a lot to think about – and above all, you need the right issue say Sarah Owens, Isobel Wade and James Moody.
Boost for Yorkshire leaders committee talks
Local government secretary Robert Jenrick has agreed to talks on the role and functions of a new committee of leaders from across Yorkshire.
Who do public servants owe their loyalty to?
Public servants' role in stewardship of institutions, publicly defining fact and sharing advice, needs updating to take account of our very different world, argues Graeme McDonald.
Localis hired for fiscal devolution study
The Local Government Association has commissioned research to better understand how greater control of financial and fiscal levers might operate in non-metropolitan areas.
EXCLUSIVE: 100% business rates retention could be back on agenda
Full retention of business rates could shoot back up the agenda as part of a long-awaited Government review, The MJ understands.
Devolution revolution expected after Johnson wins
Local government was this morning expecting a devolution revolution after Prime Minister Boris Johnson secured a sweeping election win.
And a High Sheriff making the decree
Salt, grit, battery-powered lamps, heaters and jeeps are essential kit at this time of year in the Cotswolds. However Kathy O'Leary is pleased to report that no nativity plays have been harmed in preparing for this election.
A bandwagon that won’t stop rolling
The arguments for creating large unitary authorities have not been developed in an evidence-based way, say Steve Leach and Colin Copus. How can the persistence of ‘reorganisation by stealth’ be explained?