Heather Jameson
Heather Jameson is editor of the MJ
Minister insists the May polls will go ahead
Local elections should go ahead in May, constitution minister Chloe Smith has insisted amid rising concerns over safety during the pandemic.
MP launches Bill to scrap business rates
Business rates should be abolished in a bid to save high street shops, an MP has claimed.
Our new beginning is here – let’s not make a meal of it
There are some major hurdles ahead, says Heather Jameson. 'Government’s quick fixes – to raise council tax precepts and push councils towards commercialism – now cause more problems than they solve', she adds.
Brokenshire takes leave for lung surgery
Former communities secretary James Brokenshire has stepped back from his current ministerial role to have surgery on a lung tumour.
Government moots plans to postpone polls again
Communities secretary Robert Jenrick pushing the Prime Minister for a quick decision on postponing elections, The MJ understands.
Hats off to those who have worked tirelessly on the pandemic frontline
The efforts of local government at the pandemic frontline during the past year have been nothing short of heroic, says Heather Jameson. 'Never have local authorities been so ambitious, so innovative and so committed', she adds.
Liverpool mayor steps down amid police probe
Liverpool City Mayor Joe Anderson has stepped down from his post following his arrest last week.
EXCLUSIVE: COVID positive voters could be allowed in polling stations
Councils could be forced to allow people known to have COVID-19 come into polling stations to vote in the elections next year under plans being considered by the Government.
EXCLUSIVE: Anger over delays to high street bid funding
Funding to help boost the high street has not been paid to councils more than a year after the if was announced, The MJ has learned.
Leeds sets out budget as finances teeter
Leeds City Council has set out plans to address its increasingly perilous budget situation during the pandemic.
Cross-party leaders call to halt the break up of the union
A cross-party group of council leaders and mayors has written to the Prime Minister calling for action to prevent the break-up of the union.
MHCLG demands updates after Liverpool mayor arrest
Government officials have written to the chief executive of Liverpool City Council demanding updates on its governance after the arrest of the city’s mayor last week.
Casey launches fight against hunger
A coalition of councils and charities, headed by Dame Louise Casey, have launched a campaign to support food charities this winter.
EXCLUSIVE: Birmingham chief recruitment process stalls at 11th hour
Birmingham City Council has stalled in another recruitment process in a bid to find a permanent chief executive.
Liverpool mayor believed to be one of five arrested in police investigation
Liverpool City Council Mayor Joe Anderson is believed to be one of five people arrested as part of an ‘ongoing investigation’, local newspaper reports have claimed.
ADCS issues warning of family crisis to come
The Government need to provide a long-term financial settlement for to tackle rising demand for children’s services, experts have warned as economic consequences of COVID hit.
Misconduct laws in need of reform, claims Law Commission
Laws governing misconduct in public office are outdated, unclear and in need of reform, the Law Commission has claimed as the number of prosecutions soar.
Devolution boost for Scots councils as Bill is backed
Devolution to councils in Scotland has taken a step forward after the Scottish Government announced its support today for a private members Bill.
There’s not enough votes in funding councils
'Whatever the finance settlement brings, it will not be enough', says Heather Jameson. 'Councils will cope as they always do – or most will – and there is another year to make the case for local services, while the Government hopes it all goes away.'
More cash, but not enough
With its £5.5bn extra funding for local government next year the Spending Review may have delivered more than expected – though this won’t be enough to reverse the cuts since 2010. Heather Jameson reports.
