Heather Jameson
Heather Jameson is editor of the MJ
ADASS issues stark warning as White Paper faces further delays
The social care system risks complete breakdown experts have warned as it emerged that the long-awaited White Paper has been delayed again until next year.
Forget the charm, local government needs certainty
Heather Jameson asks if Boris Johnson’s surprise appearance on a local government call this week could be the start of a charm offensive. 'Forget the charm, a decent finance settlement and devolution deal will do the trick', she adds.
No going back on audit
Heather Jameson talks to the author of The Redmond Review Sir Tony Redmond about the flaws in local government audit, the need for a new body to manage, oversee and regulate – and what will happen if his recommendations aren’t implemented quickly.
Camden leader set to take on London Councils role
Camden LBC leader Georgia Gould has been elected to take over as chair of London Councils by her Labour colleagues.
Croydon appoints Katherine Kerswell as interim chief
Crisis-hit Croydon LBC has appointed Katherine Kerswell as its interim chief executive, following the departure of Jo Negrini.
Community power – a step forwards?
A recent virtual round table debate hosted by The MJ discussed the recent trend towards councils empowering local communities. Is it a real or just a cynical way of driving down costs, and will it require a significant cultural shift to work? Heather Jameson reports.
Down and out?
Plans for a full-scale local government reorganisation have been thrown into doubt, with Downing Street being blamed for delays.
Is there the political will to push through reorganisation?
Simon Clarke's unexpected resignation as local government minister begs the question of what happens now on devolution and reorganisation, says Heather Jameson. There are many reasons why restructuring is a problem, she adds.
Redmond review calls for new audit regulator
A new local government audit body should be created and ministers should change the way they judge the financial stability of councils, a review of local government audit has found.
A Programme of change for Scotland
Scotland’s new Programme for Government offered Indyref 2 as the showstopper, but for local government across the UK the focus will be on the findings of a review to consider the move to a National Care Service. Heather Jameson reports.
London Councils chief announces plan to step down
The chief executive of London Councils, John O’Brien, has announced he will step down from the role after 14 years.
MHCLG denies blanket plan to scrap districts
The Government has denied it is pursuing the blanket abolition of district councils as part of the Devolution White Paper.
Scotland launches launches plans for National Care Service
Scotland’s first minister has launched a review aimed at nationalising care services north of the border.
Now is not the time to downgrade council chiefs
York's top team reorganisation could end up being a case of putting cost before value, says Heather Jameson. 'Now is not the time to downgrade the chief executive, it is time to celebrate what an extraordinary job they do', she adds.
Joint district chief steps down
The chief executive of Breckland and South Holland DCs has announced she will step down in the autumn after six years I the top job.
Negrini steps down from Croydon
Crisis-hit Croydon LBC has announced the departure of chief executive Jo Negrini.
Moray Council remains 'deeply worrying', says Accounts Commission
Declining services at Moray Council are ‘deeply worrying’, the Accounts Commission has claimed, after nearly a decade and a half of concerns about the council.
Tees Valley mayor adds support to Yorks reorganisation
Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen has added his support for a reorganisation and devolution in neighbouring North Yorkshire.
York to scrap chief post after 'strong advice' from LGA
York City Council is scrapping its chief executive post in favour of a chief operating officer (COO) in a bid to save cash.
Income compensation scheme fails to cover the cost of COVID
Government plans to compensate councils for income lost due to COVID-19 are only likely to cover half the cost of the losses, it is claimed.
