Martin Reeves
Martin Reeves chief executive of Coventry City Council
The devil is in the detail
As the dust settles on last week’s not so mini-Budget, Martin Reeves says the creation of up to 38 investment zones could be positive for the places chosen. But he warns structural inequalities will increase without investment in jobs and skills.
Looking ahead with trepidation
Professor Martin Reeves digests the contents of the provisional local government finance settlement and highlights the key reasons why it will fail to meet the challenges that lie ahead.
Creating a shared city for all
Coventry is UK City of Culture 2021 and a Marmot City. Martin Reeves and Liz Gaulton explain how a sustainable, accessible and resilient city centre is being built, with a focus on health and wellbeing.
Bucket list for fixing council finances
Co-designing a truly sustainable finance system for councils for the long-term ‘won’t be quick and it won’t be easy’, says Martin Reeves. A few more years of ‘make do and mend’ will not work for our communities and economies, he adds.
There is still plenty for this Government to ‘get done’
The Budget package does not give councils any certainty over funding for the short to medium term, let alone the long term, and failed to address much-needed reforms to social care, says Solace spokesman for finance Martin Reeves.
Going places
Martin Reeves says despite the Treasury’s positive assessment of the Total Place pilots over a decade ago, the initiative fell off the radar. He calls on the new Prime Minister to ‘reinvigorate a successor’.
Fair funding: no simple solutions
At best, the fair funding review will bring short-term improvements for some councils while pushing others to the brink – and is ultimately built on shaky foundations, argues Dr Martin Reeves
Look at the Budget's fine print
It's the fine print in a Budget that needs the most careful attention, and it's time to ramp up further the campaign for local services, says Martin Reeves of SOLACE
Leading the charge
As the sector prepares to make its case with Whitehall about the future of local services at the forthcoming Society of Local Authority Chief Executives’ annual Summit next month, Dr Martin Reeves puts forward his vision for the future.
Embracing the digital age
Martin Reeves explains how Coventry’s fibre infrastructure investment strategy is beginning to pay back ‘digital-age’ dividends.
Funding reform – or bust?
Councils are leading the way in modernising public services as a response to the ongoing challenges of austerity, but local government is fast reaching breaking point. Martin Reeves calls for urgent steps to be taken by central government to make the most of this opportunity.
Martin Reeves: What I learned from my time as a twin hatter
Reflecting on his time leading the West Midlands Combined Authority, Martin Reeves reveals what he learned about trust, identity and leadership.
Building foundations for growth
A recent report on how West Midlands councils are using their assets for growth shows how authorities have stepped up to the challenge of being catalysts for economic growth and regeneration. Martin Reeves, chief executive of Coventry City Council, Judith Atkinson and Jenny Coombs, project directors at Local Partnerships, examine how the results were achieved
Demand management
Dr Martin Reeves believes demand management should be filled by a new contract between the local state and local communities
SoapBOX by Martin Reeves
Councils must find new ways to engage public over annual budget settlements, argues Coventry City chief executive.
SoapBOX by Martin Reeves
Coventry City Council chief executive reflects on his presidency of SOLACE.
SoapBOX by Martin Reeves
Partnerships are key to driving welfare reform and local growth, writes SOLACE president.
SoapBOX by Martin Reeves
Council chiefs must lead by example in setting the tone for successful peer reviews and sector-led improvement, argues SOLACE president.
SoapBOX Martin Reeves
Coventry City Council chief executive outlines the social media perils, pitfalls and opportunities of embracing the Twittersphere.
SoapBOX by Martin Reeves
Coventry City Council chief executive writes on why the sector should be more bullish around pay for senior managers.