Rishi Sunak
Sunak's defence spending could hit council budgets, says IFS
The Prime Minister’s announcement of extra defence cash could hit public sector budgets further, according to the Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS).
Battle lines drawn for local elections
Rows over levelling up have dominated the opening clashes as campaigning kicked off for next month’s local elections.
Chancellor needs to show compassion to most vulnerable
Tomorrow’s Budget provides an opportunity for the chancellor to protect those most in need of financial support by renewing the Household Support Fund, says Cllr Elizabeth Campbell.
Sunak doesn't accept the council tax system is broken
Without the additional £17m a year Somerset Council could have generated through council tax the future looks very bleak indeed, says leader Bill Revans.
The Hunt for cash
The Treasury has asked an internal team of experts to hunt down potential extra cash for local government, The MJ understands.
MPs call on Sunak to boost council settlement
More than 40 MPs have called on the Government to rethink the finance settlement in a bid to rescue floundering authorities.
A huge year – but will local government’s voice be heard?
'While politicians are holding the line – that councils have plenty of cash and financial failure equals poor management – there are indications that they know it’s not so clear cut', says Heather Jameson.
Sunak vows to keep public spending down
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has kicked off election year with a promise to keep public spending down and cut taxes.
Climate action’s delicate high-wire act
Jonathan Stephenson says reaching net zero is a monumental task that demands unity - a coming together of local authorities, the private sector, universities, and communities.
Too many cuts could drain councils of their services
Heather Jameson says: ‘The question for ministers is not just ‘which councils face financial collapse’? It is also ‘which councils have cut so much that local services will suffer?’
Ending the uncertainty
The North could reap the benefits of a focused long-term industrial strategy for meeting net zero, explains Ryan Swift.
Required: some real radicalism
Dr Simon Kaye reflects on the recent round of political party conferences and argues that a coherent vision for the present – or future – of local authorities in England is still missing.
Two answers to levelling up – but what’s the question?
Heather Jameson says set aside the anti-city, anti-local government rhetoric - Rishi Sunak's plan to put cash into small towns will make a difference to how people feel about their place.
Growth battlelines
Rishi Sunak has launched a towns plan, while a new report says bringing UK cities up to the productivity levels of their European peers could deliver a massive dividend. But is there a better way that helps all towns and cities? Heather Jameson reports.
Unlocking local potential
Levelling up nationally will not succeed without investment in levelling up locally, an inquiry by the Local Government Association has concluded. Ann McGauran reports.
Are we back to 1992?
The Prime Minister needs to get the Tory ship seaworthy for his election campaign, but is the 1992 playbook likely to work again, wonders Dan Corry.
The next showrunners
Jonathan Werran says that, whatever and whoever is running the show after next year’s General Election, attention and protection should be afforded to local government.
More resources needed to tackle anti-social conduct
Councils need resources to meet the Government’s aim of tackling anti-social behaviour, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has been told.
The state we’re in is one of déjà vu
We need to talk about the state of the state, and confront the crucial issue of how we pay for public services in future, says Heather Jameson.
A statement of caution and retreat
Rishi Sunak’s 2023 priorities speech lacked detail, says Charlotte Alldritt.
