Politics
Solace Summit: Northamptonshire chief calls for public sector 'alarm system'
The chief executive officer of Conservative-run Northamptonshire CC has called for a public sector ‘alarm system’ to prevent other councils failing.
COSLA conference: Ex-minister hints at council tax cap relaxation
A former SNP minister has suggested there could be a relaxation of the cap on council tax.
Devolution legislation planned for Queen's Speech
The Government is planning to launch the next round of devolution legislation in the Queen’s Speech, The MJ understands.
Patel pledges £20m to 'roll up' County Lines
The home secretary’s announcement of a £20m package to tackle County Lines drugs gangs has received a mixed reaction.
Tory spending plans could be derailed by economic downturn - IFS
Multi-billion pound Conservative spending plans could be derailed by a further deterioration in the economy, a fiscal think-tank has warned.
Javid promises devo White Paper
A new White Paper to devolve more powers to local areas was announced in the Chancellor’s speech to the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester today.
Labour pledges to scrap Universal Credit
Labour has promised to replace ‘inhumane’ Universal Credit with a new social security system.
Suspended deputy returns to work
Thanet DC’s deputy chief executive Tim Willis is understood to have returned to work after six weeks suspended.
Council scraps chief's post
Hertsmere BC has scrapped the post of chief executive as part of a move to a ‘more cost-effective management structure’.
Johnson ignores LGA social care deadline
The Local Government Association (LGA) has issued a fresh warning after Prime Minister Boris Johnson ignored its deadline for publishing a paper on social care’s future.
Government remains open to non-mayoral devo deals
The Government remains open to striking devolution deals without the requirement for a directly-elected mayor, The MJ understands.
Stinging criticism over ministry's double rates error
Labour has launched a scathing attack as the Government continues to drag its heels over resolving repeated errors in the business rates formula.
Liverpool warns of 'perilous financial situation'
Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson has warned the council’s ‘perilous financial situation’ means it faces the ‘worst crisis since the Second World War’.
Carter hits out at customs points suggestions
Kent CC’s leader has hit out at suggestions customs points for lorries leaving Channel ports following a no-deal Brexit may be predominately in his county.
Hopes of devolution framework revival
Sector sources remain hopeful that the long-promised devolution framework could still be revived after a private informal meeting with Government officials about the next steps.
Move to delete chief executive post 'politically motivated'
The Labour opposition leader at Hertsmere BC has branded proposals to delete the authority’s chief executive post as ‘politically motivated’.
Edinburgh welcomes tourism tax plan
SNP-controlled Edinburgh City Council has welcomed the inclusion of a Transient Visitor Levy Bill in the Scottish Government’s programme for Scotland.
Conservatives in Scottish mayoral call
Scotland’s seven cities should have directly-elected mayors or provosts, the Scottish Conservatives’ finance spokesman has said.
Council considers scrapping chief's role
Hertsmere BC is considering plans to delete its chief executive role with the current post holder on sick leave.
DfE defends value of key working group
The Department for Education (DfE) has insisted it values a key service working group despite it not routinely reporting back to ministers.