Paul Marinko
Jenrick comes under pressure to extend audit deadline
Local government secretary Robert Jenrick is coming under pressure to extend the deadline for council audits to be completed.
Ministers urged to embrace ambitious devolution agenda
The UK’s biggest cities have urged ministers to embrace an ambitious devolution agenda and not ‘merely level up’ powers across the country.
Learn lessons from the snap election, says AEA
Council returning officers have demanded lessons ‘be learned’ after December’s snap General Election exposed the ‘fragility’ of the UK’s electoral system.
K&C against contractors' immunity bid
Kensington and Chelsea RLBC has distanced itself from efforts by Grenfell Tower contractors to receive immunity from prosecution for their evidence to the disaster’s inquiry.
Examining the boarding school effect
Councils appear to be reluctant to explore the option of placing the children they support at boarding schools, but Paul Marinko finds that the evidence points to improvements in outcomes.
Ofsted chief in 'blind spots' warning
Ofsted’s chief has warned of ‘blind spots’ in the children’s services inspection system that could mean youngsters are ‘potentially coming to significant harm’.
Jenrick in fresh anti-semitism definition demand
Local government secretary Robert Jenrick has sent a fresh demand to council leaders for them to confirm their adoption of an internationally-recognised definition of anti-semitism.
Lessons for digital change from the new unitaries
Nine months after the creation of two new unitary councils in Dorset, what have been the lessons from implementing change programmes, especially digital change? Chief executives discussed the issue at a round table debate hosted by The MJ and BT.
Brown calls for 'constitutional revolution'
Gordon Brown has called for a ‘constitutional revolution,’ with a series of citizens’ assemblies and a forum for mayors and regional leaders to shape change.
Dozens of children in care sent north of border
English councils are sending children in care hundreds of miles from their homes to secure accommodation in Scotland, new research has revealed.
York welcomes House of Lords move suggestion
York City Council has welcomed news that the Government is considering moving the House of Lords to the city.
Shining a strong light
The Local Government Association is about to launch a review of its peer challenge process. Paul Marinko asks whether the approach is robust enough to meet the demands of a tough financial climate.
March 11 Budget creates 'deep risk' for councils
The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) has written to the Chancellor warning of the ‘deep risk facing councils’ from delaying the Budget until March 11.
Council hires Grenfell construction firm
Maidstone BC has named a construction firm involved in the refurbishment of Grenfell Tower as its preferred bidder for a planned innovation centre.
Councils still being held back from building more homes - report
Local authorities are still being held back from providing more homes, a new report examining the future for council housing has argued.
LGSS Law losses hit £1.2m
A social enterprise law firm formed by three councils has reported that losses increased from £300,000 to £1.2m during the last financial year.
Westminster in phone box call
Westminster City Council has called on the Government to amend planning regulations to allow local authorities to force telecoms companies to remove under-used phone boxes.
Government dismisses same-sex marriage concerns
The Government has dismissed council concerns over registrars potentially refusing to perform same-sex marriages when new legislation comes into force in Northern Ireland next week.
Council buys office block 150 miles away
South Somerset DC has paid £9.7m for an office block 150 miles away in Welwyn Garden City as part of its latest commercial investment.
NHS chief slams 'perverse' planning rules
The chief executive of the NHS has slammed ‘perverse’ planning rules making it easier for fast food outlets to open but placing restrictions on gyms.