Martin Ford
Future Forum North: Co-designed commissioning answer to outsourcing crisis
Co-designed commissioning is the answer to an era of heightened demand, budget reductions and supplier failures, council chiefs have been told.
Future Forum North: Sector ‘divided and ruled,’ claims Leeds chief
Leeds City Council's chief executive has issued a rallying cry for local government to come together to celebrate its achievements.
Future Forum North: End 'feudal' NHS structure to create place-based service
Work remains to reform the ‘feudal structure’ of the NHS before the full potential of health and care integration can be realised, The MJ's Future Forum North event has heard.
Future Forum North: SOLACE president urges sector to be less humble
The sector has been urged to make the case for better funding itself instead of relying on the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).
Future Forum North: Manchester bombing was 'toughest time in career' of council chief
Transformational leadership was the key to Manchester’s response to the arena bombing, says the city council’s chief executive, Joanne Roney.
Future Forum North: Government has lost 'enthusiasm' for devolution
Those pursuing further devolution are facing an uphill struggle, the chief executive of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority has suggested.
Review into council fraud and corruption launched
Marsham Street is seeking input from councils as it carries out a review into procurement fraud.
Swansea to enlist private sector for tidal lagoon project
Swansea City Council is turning to the private sector in the hope of resurrecting a project for a tidal lagoon.
Councils 'need to do better' on SEND provision
Ofsted has criticised councils over their provision for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) but praised local authorities for progress on children’s services.
Planning changes aim to boost biodiversity
Changes to planning rules could require developers to provide a ‘biodiversity net gain’ in their plans.
Tax the internet to save high street, retail bosses tell MPs
The reform of business rates is essential to saving high streets, the country’s top retailers have told MPs.
Scottish Council leaders call for people’s vote
Council leaders in Scotland have backed the call for a second Brexit referendum.
Allied urges councils to consider ‘disruption’ before ending contracts
Allied Healthcare has attempted to reassure councils of its long-term future following its takeover.
South Cambs bankrolls ice rink following explosive discovery
An extra £550,000 has been invested in a permanent ice rink by South Cambridgeshire DC after buried explosives were discovered during construction.
Portsmouth to sell fledgling energy firm
Portsmouth City Council is to sell its energy company before it has taken on any customers.
SEND ‘tidal wave’ threatens to overwhelm councils, finance chiefs claim
Council treasurers have made an urgent plea to ministers to tackle soaring special needs costs.
Warren set for permanent chief role at Greenwich
Greenwich LBC’s interim chief executive is set to land the job on a permanent basis.
Ombudsman concerned over council care policies as complaints increase
Council systems and policies are increasingly to blame for a surge in complaints over charges for social care, according to the ombudsman.
A tale of two cities
Martin Ford examines the results of different approaches to integration of health and social care in Nottingham and Manchester
'Disastrous fall' in homes built for social rent
The number of homes built for social rent last year slumped to a fifth of the level seen a decade ago.