Politics
Challenging the system
Shadow communities secretary, Andrew Gwynne, talks to Dan Peters about devolution, fiscal change, and his hope to represent the sector in a far more positive light
Missing the bigger picture?
It’s easy to ignore major issues and focus on smaller things to do and improve. But, argues Dan Corry, in public services there comes a time when you can no longer ignore that fact that the system is not working.
Devolution is dead: Long live devolution
Rumours of the death of devolution have been greatly exaggerated, it would seem, if the secretary of state is to be believed.
We must revisit the role of local government
With the political landscape in flux and mayors pushing the boundaries of their original remit, now is the time to remake the case for a constitutional settlement, argues Dr Jonathan Carr-West.
EXCLUSIVE: Sir Vince backs more council borrowing powers
Ahead of his first Liberal Democrat conference as party leader, Sir Vince Cable tells Michael Burton why local government should play a key role in rebuilding the country’s infrastructure.
IFS study casts doubt over backing for 100% business rate retention
Senior councillors and directors have expressed scepticism that 100% business rates retention will bring benefits, according to analysis from the respected Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS).
Deal of the decade
Diary can only admire the plucky Lib Dems who appear to be remaining [geddit?] upbeat despite the return of two-party politics to Westminster.
White Man Van on ... the Government
The Government has turned into a load of Del Boys flogging tat off their market stalls.
Brum leader faces down pressure to quit
Birmingham City Council’s leader was battling for his political survival this week as he faced down calls for him to quit over the long-running bin dispute.
MPs back social care system overhaul
A poll of 100 English MPs has found just one in 10 believe the current social care system is suitable for the UK’s ageing population.
Birmingham’s leader on the horns of a dilemma
The dispute over Birmingham's bin strike has pushed John Clancy into an alley with one union cutting off one escape route and another union blocking the other. Michael Burton says the leader is damned if he does and damned if he doesn't.
Finance concerns grow in wake of Grenfell
Council finance directors are growing increasingly concerned about the impact of the Grenfell Tower fire on their budgets.
White Van Man on . . . the summer holidays
So ministers have cleared off for their long summer holidays and good riddance to them.
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.