Craig Dearden-Phillips
The politics of mutuals
Craig Dearden-Phillips and Suffolk leader, Cllr Colin Noble, argue the local political hurdles for establishing staff spin-outs are still too high.
Picture this
Craig Dearden-Phillips discusses the merits of council commercialisation - and what the genuine ability to fashion a product or service that meets the needs of customers at a competitive price looks like.
Oliver will demand more town hall mutuals
Appointment of Oliver Letwin as Minister for the Cabinet Office is a boost for the public service mutuals agenda and could herald a new wave of offers to run council services, argues Craig Dearden-Phillips.
Mutuals still matter
Craig Dearden-Phillips analyses the last five years of the public service mutual drive in local government, arguing those who write off the mutual model are speaking too soon.
Crucial steps to commercialisation
How does a council go about creating a successful company? Craig Dearden-Phillips sets out the key points to follow when embracing a commercial culture.
Why the public prefer to believe Pickles
Are the cuts unveiled in the finance settlement a death knell for local government or are councils just crying wolf - and who does the public believe? asks Craig Dearden-Phillips.
Who will fund Stevens' five-year NHS plan?
Simon Stevens' NHS Forward Plan is curious in its omission of the vital and legitimate role of local government, writes Craig Dearden-Phillips.
Just who is watching the vulnerable?
Different parts of the health and social care system remain too focused on what is and isn’t their responsibility – to the detriment of vulnerable elderly people, writes Craig Dearden-Phillips.
Burnham should get second opinion on care prescription
Craig Dearden-Phillips critiques Andy Burnham's proposals for a new National Health and Care Service, and argues the shadow health secretary should view councils as the answer to integrated health and care.
Freedom of choice in children's services
Craig Dearden-Phillips challenges the orthodoxy that children's services must remain shut off from alternative delivery mechanisms and providers.
Spin to win
Craig Dearden-Phillips mulls over the pros and cons of public service mutuals, and whether spinning out council services is actually the most productive answer
Who’s making an enterprising start?
Craig Deardon Phillips and Jonathan Flowers examine how councils are turning to the enterprise agenda to secure future prosperity
Goodnight, sweetheart deals
EU rules around procurement of mutuals are changing. Craig Dearden-Phillips and Mark Cook explain what this means for local authorities.
The road to recovery starts here
There is a lot local government can do to help to kick-start the local economy – starting with boosting enterprise, says Craig Dearden-Phillips
Can we defy the Graph of Doom?
Craig Dearden-Phillips looks at how councils can offset their spending on maintaining social care.
Taking stock of a lost generation
Craig Dearden Phillips paints a portrait of an era where councillors wield no real power and meetings are conducted at a leisurely pace.
At the business end of services
Local authorities are looking at business model options to provide services in times of austerity. Craig Dearden Phillips explains.
Mutually acceptable?
Craig Dearden-Phillips says public sector mutuals could help councils maintain a politically-acceptable public realm.