Analysis The MJ
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Making the most of our assets
February 21, 2019
Incoming chief executive of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council Graham Farrant thinks his new job to deliver a ‘really modern leading local authority’ is the best one available in local government right now, as Ann McGauran reports
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Bringing politics into the 21st century
February 15, 2019
In a round table hosted by Gatenby Sanderson, district council leaders considered the question: ‘The 21st century councillor – what skills do modern members need to equip them for the challenges ahead?’
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Creating a new political dynamic in Dorset
February 7, 2019
The first chief executive of the new unitary Dorset Council Matt Prosser talks to Heather Jameson about the process of bringing three ‘very different’ local authorities together to form one sustainable council for the future.
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Mets feeling deprived over funding formula
February 6, 2019
Can the sector reach a consensus on the weighting given to deprivation in the fair funding formula? Ann McGauran examines the local government reaction
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Keeping up standards
January 30, 2019
As councils become increasingly commercial, auditors are asking how high standards of governance and accountability can be maintained in a more risky financial climate. Michael Burton reports on a National Audit Office/The MJ round table debate
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Onwards and upwards
January 30, 2019
Ann McGauran looks at the potential implications of a further empowered North of England, as suggested by Northern Powerhouse minister Jake Berry
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Standards bearers
January 30, 2019
The local standards regime for councils has faced allegations that it is insufficiently robust. Will the 20th report from the Committee on Standards in Public Life on ethics in local government lead to positive change? Heather Jameson reports
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Act now to halt the housing crisis
January 24, 2019
Housing should be seen as a key plank of the natural infrastructure, says housing charity Shelter. Heather Jameson examines its report and expands on its recommendations
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Opportunities for the brave lie ahead
January 24, 2019
How can local authorities best harness the talents of their future workforce – and could councils be replaced by entirely new sorts of organisations? Ann McGauran reports on a recent round table debate hosted by Penna considering the big questions
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Looking at the wider picture
January 23, 2019
Martin Swales, the new president of SOLACE, talks to Heather Jameson about his plans to use his two-year term to draw on the expertise across the membership and build a stronger influence across Whitehall
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Balancing children’s outcomes
January 23, 2019
As pressures on children’s services budgets rise, London boroughs battle with balancing the books and keeping children safe. Ann McGauran reports on an MJ/Newton round table debate on the issues facing the chief executives of London councils
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Are reports of the death of PFI an exaggeration?
January 23, 2019
Critics initially welcomed the announcement of the end of controversial PFI schemes. But central government and councils may continue to draw up contracts which use private finance-style mechanisms. Hiba Mahamadi asks what could lie ahead.
