Cllr Judith Blake
Putting the power into place
The past year has highlighted inequalities and exposed the inadequacy of centralisation while councils are dealing with a threadbare funding system. Cllr Georgia Gould and Baroness Judith Blake say funding and powers for places could make it better.
We desperately need to bring back culture to our cities
Culture is a key ingredient in the overall mix that attracts people to our city centres, says Cllr Judith Blake. We need to nurture a post-COVID generation of performers, technicians and administrators, she adds.
COVID continues to threaten our statutory obligations to our communities
If Government enforces Tier 3 then it must be prepared to support local councils to protect the vulnerable and those whose incomes will be severely affected, argues chair of Core Cities UK Cllr Judith Blake.
Five compelling reasons why HS2East must be given same priority as HS2West
It is vital that the Government’s Integrated Rail Plan for the Midlands and the North states categorically that HS2 east will be built concurrently with HS2 west, argues Cllr Judith Blake.
OECD will say our over-centralised system holds places back
Core Cities has commissioned the OECD to put together a new and radical report into putting in place the right policies to enable places to fulfil their potential, says Cllr Judith Blake.
Deliver HS2 'in full'
Cllr Judith Blake says HS2 must be delivered in full 'and that it is key to rebalancing our nation, relieving the pressure on our Victorian-era rail network and creating economic growth in our cities'.
Local transport bodies need greater freedoms
Local economies suffer due to transport disruption. Cllr Judith Blake explains what cities need if they are to take control of their local networks.
Breaking the cycle and boosting communities
Cllr Judith Blake argues for place-based budgeting to break down barriers between economic and social policy.
The shared society must be routed in communities
The prime minister's vision for a better, fairer Britain must begin in local communities, writes Cllr Judith Blake.
Cities working for change
There are no quick fixes to issues like growth and productivity but cities are united in finding a solution, writes Cllr Judith Blake
