Nicola Beach
Counties should not rest on our laurels
While the financial strains for both councils and communities will continue to be the dominant issue, devolved powers and creating local growth remain key in tackling these challenges, says Nicola Beach.
Delivering school transport services during a fuel crisis
The cost of living has been especially felt in home-to -school transport, says Nicola Beach. The Government may need to look at the particular county-based issues in delivering it and set out specific and targeted solutions, she adds.
The art of the possible
A major new report from the ACCE, the CCN and Newton on the future of children's social care shows the art of the possible if councils are enabled to lead the charge in implementing the ‘optimised delivery model’, says Nicola Beach.
Difficult decisions lie ahead for counties
County Councils Network analysis projects that even with the extra funding secured by the sector, its 36 members will collectively have a gap of £700m in 2022-23, says Nicola Beach.
Government needs to better clarify the responsibility of councils in net-zero
A report from the County Councils' Network finds that a city-centric focus to climate funding and policies has been to the detriment of counties, says Nicola Beach.
There's never been a better time to consider the future role of councils
We now have a golden opportunity to build on the lessons learned during the pandemic and elevate our organisations so they are 'even more interventionalist, proactive and relevant come 2030', says Nicola Beach.
A nuanced approach to levelling up is needed
As Nicola Beach becomes the chair of the Association of County Chief Executives, she looks at the challenges ahead.