Politics
PODCAST: People, passion and progress
In the latest Public Intelligence/The MJ leadership podcast Baroness Scott explains how Wiltshire CC has moved from an old-fashioned ethos to a modern business. Heather Jameson reports.
The true voice of the councillor
Rachel Wall and Colin Copus summarise the findings of a large-scale study of the challenges and ever-evolving tasks facing councillors today.rachel
Men dominate top roles at authorities
Female chief executives are outnumbered two to one even though women make up 78% of the local government workforce in England, new research has revealed.
Let’s remember this sector’s true value
Heather Jameson assesses the progress Jim McMahon is making as the former Oldham leader takes on the twin challenges of finance and devolution in local government.
All change at Birmingham
Heather Jameson talks to Birmingham City Council leader John Clancy and interim chief executive Stella Manzie about the massive changes within the authority and the city as a whole.
Basildon boss to step down after 13 years
Basildon BC’s long-serving chief executive is to step down from the role ahead of a management restructure.
CIPFA: Institute to toughen prudential code
The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) has pledged to 'toughen' the prudential code amid claims councils are 'betting billions' on property purchases.
Delegates upbeat despite central-local deep freeze
Michael Burton casts a personal view on the major highlights of last week’s LGA conference
Tough talking
Last week’s LGA conference will be remembered in part for an extraordinary speech from Sajid Javid heavily criticising the sector – Heather Jameson looks at the fallout from the communities secretary’s address
What do voters want?
As the dust settles on the recent election results – and with more people seemingly turning up to vote – Mark Rogers uses this period of reflection to offer some advice to local and national leaders.
Javid holds out olive branch to the sector
Communities secretary Sajid Javid has held out an olive branch to local government in the aftermath of his disastrous speech to the Local Government Association conference speech last week.
Standards committee investigation after High Court ruling
A former deputy leader of Sandwell MBC who denies claims of serious misconduct in office will face a full investigation following a High Court ruling.
Business rate as an income base requires more thought
local government needs to be realistic about the feasibility of relying on business rate for its funding into the future, argues Michael Burton.
Authorities in ‘fear for the future,’ but coping – for now
Councils are confident they can cope financially in the coming year but fear for the future, a survey of local authority leaders and chief executives has revealed.
City deals among promises in DUP-Conservative deal
Fresh devolved powers for Northern Ireland form a key part of today’s £1bn deal between the minority Conservative government and the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).
Fuller beats Saint to DCN role
South Norfolk DC leader, Cllr John Fuller, has thrashed his rival in the two-horse race to become the chairman of the District Councils’ Network (DCN).
Carter vs Simmonds: Why I want to be LGA Tory leader
Local Government Association Conservative Group leadership candidates, Kent CC leader Paul Carter and Hillingdon LBC deputy leader David Simmonds, outline their top priorities.
Austerity must be eased
Heather Jameson says that without the return of business rates or a solution to the social care crisis, the only option must be the easing of austerity.
Lessons from the ashes of Grenfell
As a tribute to those who have died at Grenfell, we should embark on well-constructed, good standard, mass housebuilding for all, writes Claire Fox.
A new deal
Paul Watson argues any spending concessions the DUP attempts to extract as part of a deal with the Conservatives should be mirrored across the UK, in regions and in local government.