Politics
EXCLUSIVE: Doubts raised over local industrial strategies rollout
Concerns have been raised over the future of local industrial strategies, amid fears Whitehall will fail to push the policy further than just a few urban areas.
ID could drive residents to 'less secure' postal voting
Residents could be more likely to apply for less secure postal votes if polling station ID requirements become too onerous, a senior political strategist has warned.
Savings don't stop cavings
Ex-communities secretary Eric Pickles is soon to be elevated to join his House of Lords chums, heralding a new chapter in his political career.
Audit verdict on broadband venture
Auditors have handed Aylesbury Vale DC 22 recommendations to improve its commercial projects after the sale of its broadband company.
Khan talks extremism with LGA
Britain’s commissioner for countering extremism met with senior sector figures yesterday to discuss concerns over long-term funding and the response to the far-right threat.
Planning Bill progresses despite opposition
Scottish opposition parties have called for changes after expressing concerns about the Government’s proposed Planning Bill.
Brokenshire dodges Right to Buy question
Housing secretary James Brokenshire has refused to disclose how much councils have been required to pay back to the Treasury in Right to Buy (RTB) receipts.
Police bail extended for council leader and former chiefs
Four local government figures on bail in connection with a fraud probe have been told to return to a police station in three months’ time.
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.
Claire Kober: Relationships are the foundation of political leadership
The goodwill and energy of partners from across the spectrum and that of the council’s managerial leadership are critical to success, writes Claire Kober.
Standards split between officers and councillors
Councillors and officers are divided over the future of the standards regime, with politicians backing the existing approach dismissed as a ‘toothless tiger’ by officials.
Things Can Only Get Better
The Local Government Association’s Labour group will not be storming the music charts any time soon, Diary is sad to report.
Northampton unitary plan falls
The tight timeframe for reorganising local government across Northamptonshire claimed its first victim this week despite ministers’ decision to extend the consultation period.
Kemp: Liverpool have questions to answer
Liverpool is under pressure to answer questions about its appointment of an interim chief and what senior figures knew about allegations against two former executives.
MHCLG: A lot can be gained from unitary
A unitary structure could save money and improve effectiveness, top civil servants have said in their clearest signal yet of a Government view on reorganisation.
Raynsford: Planning system not fit for purpose
The UK planning system is ‘not fit for purpose’ and needs reforming in order to be more focused on the interests and wellbeing of citizens, according to a former local government minister Nick Raynsford.
Should we trust the survey on trust?
If you want to be popular don’t become a politician is the message from the latest Veracity Index into the professions the public most trust.
Pickles for Strictly?
These days secretaries of state at Marsham Street barely have time to gather their thoughts before they are catapulted to another part of Whitehall.
Noble ousted after raising unitarisation
Suffolk CC’s leader Colin Noble has been deposed weeks after asking think-tank ResPublica to look at the possibilities for reorganisation in the county.
BREAKING: 'Inspirational' leader steps down after 27 years
Wigan MBC’s ‘inspirational’ Lord Peter Smith has announced he is stepping down after 27 years as leader.