Heather Jameson
Heather Jameson is editor of the MJ
Creating a new political dynamic in Dorset
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.
Councils are ready to do their best with Brexit
Heather Jameson says that in a breathtakingly brazen attempt to get the blame in early, civil servants have raised concerns about how councils will handle Brexit - but in reality local government is, mostly, at its best in an emergency.
Standards bearers
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
Call for power to ban councillors
Council standards boards should have the power to ban councillors for up to six months without allowances, the Committee on Standards in Public Life has recommended.
125 years and the issues remain the same
Spending time poring over issues of The MJ (Municipal Journal) from the past 125 years – as you will see from this week's supplement – it is remarkable how much things change and yet they remain the same, says Heather Jameson
Act now to halt the housing crisis
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
Right to Buy can be the right way ahead
In future, Right to Buy can only be the right thing to do if homes are replaced – otherwise it’s just another exercise in driving up property costs and pushing more people into poverty, argues Heather Jameson.
Surrey CC plans full 2.99% council tax hike
Financially troubled Surrey CC has outlined plans to raise council tax by the maximum 2.99%.
Give us fiscal freedom and devolution – not tighter controls
Jake Berry is right to look for answers to a disengaged electorate, but the idea that devolved finances should be achieved by just creating a regional Whitehall fiefdom is a localist’s nightmare, argues Heather Jameson
Putting people first
Detached is not her form of politics and she ‘worked like an absolute sod’ to capture an ‘unwinnable’ seat in Waltham Forest MBC. Council leader Clare Coghill talks to Heather Jameson
It’s all about inclusion
Once at the forefront of diversity, local government is now struggling to keep up the momentum. A recent MJ/Green Park round table looked at some of the issues. Heather Jameson reports
Lambeth leader steps down to run anti-violence unit
Lambeth LBC leader Lib peck has announced she will be stepping down to take on a new role at the Greater London Authority.
Early intervention’s not enough without funding
There will never be enough money for the behemoth that is the NHS - and the real under-funding is in the local government services it so covets, according to Heather Jameson
Nine out of ten councils blow the budget on children's care
Nearly ninety percent of councils overspent on children’s social care last year, according to figures released by the Local Government Association.
Looking at the wider picture
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
Davies to take on top job at National Audit Office
Gareth Davies has been put forward for appointment as comptroller and auditor general at the National Audit Office (NAO), replacing Sir Amyas Morse.
Councils buying up shopping centres in a bid to boost the high street
Councils have spent more than £800m buying shopping centres in the past three years, according to figures from commercial property firm Knight Frank.
New Years Honours for Rotherham
Rotherham MBC commissioner Mary Ney and director of children’s services Ian Thomas have both been recognised in the Queen’s New Year’s honours.
Clancy escapes legal action over waste dispute
Birmingham City Council’s former leader will not face legal action for his part in the authority’s waste dispute.
Ofsted boost for Calderdale children
Calderdale Council’s children’s services has been rated as good with outstanding features in its latest Ofsted inspection.