Transport
From jurassic to digital – the evolution of services
As the new Dorset unitaries get underway, the sea-change in structure is matched by the new wave of digital technology. Against this backdrop, a group of top council chiefs met at a BT/The MJ round table to look to the future.
London council budgets slashed 17% over last decade
London’s local authority budgets have dropped by nearly a fifth – 17% – per head over the last eight years, a new study has revealed.
Councils lose legal bid to halt Heathrow expansion
The High Court has dismissed arguments against Heathrow expansion and found that the Government is free to ignore the Paris agreement on climate action until it forms part of UK law.
Enfield’s world class development plan
By retaining control of the £6bn Meridian Water project, Enfield LBC will be able to ensure it meets the needs of residents – speeding up delivery of new jobs and homes, writes Sarah Cary
This 'false debate' could weaken growth of city regions
The current 'false debate' stating that the sad plight of many northern towns is a direct result of the success of nearby cities could weaken the growth of vibrant city regions at a vital time, says Paul Wheeler.
Fidler appointed DfT's local transport director
Stephen Fidler, deputy director in the Department for Transport’s strategic roads division, has been named as its new director of local transport, succeeding Graham Pendlebury, who retires at the end of May.
Speak up! Making the case for devolved infrastructure funding
This week's launch of the National Infrastructure Commission's Next Steps for Cities programme rolls out knowledge-sharing to councils in the 45 biggest cities. Sir John Armitt urges them to clearly make the case for investment in infrastructure.
We continue harnessing new possibilities for local places
London Councils are helping to drive forward the agenda for a smart, 21st century city, says John O'Brien. The role that councils have historically played in the context of place is an enduring one.
Tees Valley prepares for take off
Mayor of the Tees Valley Combined Authority Ben Houchen says bringing the local airport back into public ownership means the conurbation is ready to compete – not just with other UK city regions, but globally
Legal challenge to Heathrow expansion begins
A case involving a coalition of local authorities legally challenging the Government’s plans for a new runway at Heathrow will reach the High Court this week.
The final countdown
Dan Peters reports on how local authorities are making contingency plans for Brexit while also endeavouring to maintain an open dialogue with the relevant UK agencies.
Glasgow City Region advances at pace
The £1.13bn Glasgow City Region City Deal is one of the largest and most advanced in the UK. Kevin Rush outlines the progress being made and how the City Deal is stimulating further growth and investment.
A 'one bid per council' approach to high streets cash holds back collaboration
Allen Graham understands that bids for the Government's planned £675m future high streets fund will be restricted to one per authority - with no mechanism for districts to collaborate by linking bids.
Whitehall launches consultation on taxi licensing
Local authorities could soon be required to ensure that every prospective taxi driver undergoes enhanced criminal record and background checks.
The Berlin perspective
Perhaps we should all be asking the Germans how they get their priorities in order before rushing to the European exit, says Paul Wheeler.
EXCLUSIVE: Brokenshire gets Brexit breakdown from chiefs
Chief executives have told communities secretary James Brokenshire Whitehall needs to be more joined up between departments and in its communications with councils over Brexit.
Tees Valley votes for £40m airport deal
Tees Valley Combined Authority has given the green light to take a local airport back into public ownership.
Tees Valley mayor's airport investment would total £75m
Tees Valley Combined Authority is being asked to commit £75m to the purchase of an airport, the business case has revealed.
Tees Valley mayor seeks backing for £40m airport bid
The Mayor of Tees Valley has launched a campaign to garner support for his proposed £40m purchase of Durham Tees Valley Airport.
No deal Brexit trial attracts 89 lorries
Kent CC and the Department for Transport today tested plans for managing heavy congestion in the event of a no-deal Brexit.