Transport
Urban densification is key to tackling cities' biggest challenges
Andrew Carter outlines why urban densification is a single solution to three of the biggest policy challenges we face, including the greatest one of all - climate change.
Council leaders warn HGV driver shortage could hit gritting services
Local authority leaders have warned that the HGV driver shortage might hit gritting services this winter.
It's time for a U-turn on rail investment
The Government must commit to delivering the Northern Powerhouse Rail in full, the eastern leg of HS2 to Leeds and vital local transport improvements, or face the anger of a betrayed North, says Dr Arianna Giovannini.
Lambeth is already stepping up on climate action
Lambeth will release its borough-wide Climate Action Plan next month. It is vital that our Government recognises that local councils must be at the centre of the campaign against the climate crisis, says council leader Cllr Claire Holland.
HS2 cuts will ‘hold back the north’
Dozens of council leaders have united to tell the Prime Minister the watering down of rail investment will hold back the north.
Good Cop or Bad Cop?
Financial predators may already be circling in answer to the question of where local government’s funding for climate action will come from, say Paul O’Brien and Mo Baines.
Taking the lead locally on the climate emergency
A project launched last year provides a significant piece of Craven DC's zero carbon by 2030 jigsaw, says Paul Shevlin, and the most impactful thing the council could do was to take steps to cut the carbon footprint of its seven key premises.
Budget 2021: Highways face funding cut in Budget
National Highways is facing a major funding cut of some £3.4bn after today’s Budget, with the total for the second Road Investment Strategy (RIS 2) dropping dramatically from the £27.4bn announced last year to £24bn.
Birmingham’s road to a bright future
There are two pillars to Birmingham’s levelling up plans: investment in infrastructure, public transport, housing and skills, and investment in communities. Heather Jameson talks to leader Cllr Ian Ward and interim chief executive Deborah Cadman.
Imagining a health-led recovery
The Health Foundation says local government should be at the heart of driving forward the strategy to improve and level up health, and thereby the economy – but how can this best work in practice? Ann McGauran reports.
Councils need funding certainty
London’s local services face pressures of up to £2bn over the Spending Review period, says Cllr Darren Rodwell. The chancellor must empower councils to tackle the most momentous challenges we face today, he argues.
Government advisers press for funding overhaul
The body charged with advising ministers on infrastructure has said competitive funding pots should be replaced.
Streamlining funding – the common sense approach
Streamlining the current host of funding streams into just two would be a more sensible way of levelling up transport investment across towns, says Bridget Rosewell.
Acting together on climate change
Molly Hogg explains why local authorities should collaborate with community groups to tackle climate change and highlights how the approach is being used in Cumbria.
On the buses
While Diary loves spending time in London, sometimes in the rush-hour crush getting as far away as possible from the capital seems an attractive proposition.
Westminster accused of Scottish ‘power grab’
A minister has suggested the UK Government could bypass Edinburgh to work with councils on infrastructure planning, provoking a furious response from the SNP.
School transport contractor axed over safeguarding concerns
Birmingham City Council said the contract had been terminated following a breach of terms.
Funding cuts after councils remove cycling schemes
Councils are facing reductions in Government funding after removing active travel cycling schemes.
Reaching net zero will be delivered at the local level
While the Government has set a national goal, reaching net zero – and the changes that need to be made – will be delivered at the local level, says Andrew Carter.
A plan for rail that falls short
Marcus Johns says the Government's long-delayed plan for rail plan is 'opaque on the role of devolution, local leaders, and regional bodies like Transport for the North'.
