Martin Ford
Fears over Procurement Bill red tape
The Government has rejected concerns that new procurement rules will create more red tape for local authorities.
New roles to ‘bash heads’ in Whitehall
Levelling up directors will act as champions for local government in Whitehall, a minister has told peers.
‘Significant weaknesses’ found by Birmingham audit
A report has revealed ‘significant weaknesses’ in services and a ‘lack of stable leadership’ at Birmingham City Council.
Social care reforms to cost £26bn
New research has found social care reform costs will exceed Government estimates by £10bn but ministers have rebuffed calls for more funding.
Ministers resist calls for further care funding
Councils should not rely on Government grants to fund social care, ministers have said.
London borough recruits county chief
Pat Flaherty has been appointed as the next chief executive of Harrow LBC.
Future Forum: ICSs provide chance for culture change
Integrated Care Systems (ICS) must not be ‘driven by structure,’ The MJ’s Future Forum heard today.
Future Forum: Sector must take lead on diversity
Councils should ‘think outside the box’ when recruiting to senior positions, The MJ’s Future Forum has heard.
Future Forum: Call for relational public services
A relational approach can help councils connect with communities and improve services, according to a new report.
Future Forum: Planning a biodiversity ‘shambles’
The planning system has been branded a 'shambles’ regarding biodiversity.
Investigation into 'errors' that cost Liverpool £4.5m
An investigation has been launched into ‘control failures and errors’ that cost Liverpool City Council millions of pounds.
Levelling up must go beyond 'big ticket' projects
Efforts to level up communities must be felt at a local level for the policy to be viewed as a success by the public, politicians have been told.
Refugees who refuse housing offers to become homeless
Afghan refugees who turn down two offers of accommodation could be referred to councils as homeless.
Castle Point announces new chief executive
The council is to confirm the appointment of Angela Hutchings as its next chief executive and head of paid service.
Queen's Speech: Business rates set for overhaul
It has been confirmed a ‘Non-Domestic Rating Bill’ will form part of the agenda during the next Parliamentary session.
New chief executive set for Mansfield
Adam Hill is set to be named the new chief executive at Mansfield DC.
Leaders to reconsider governance overhaul
Fears have been raised plans to ‘re-establish’ the West of England joint committee could put £600m of funding at risk.
Councillors to boycott meetings
Councillors in the largest political group on Hartlepool BC have announced a boycott of meetings after one of their members refused to resign.
New Cumberland authority set to appoint CEO
The shadow authority for the new unitary council will be asked to confirm the appointment at its inaugural meeting on Thursday.
Warrington in credit downgrade
Ratings agency Moody's said the council had moved from A2 to A3 due to 'high reliance on commercial income’.
