The latest articles written by Ian Miller

COUNCIL TAX

The devolution waiting game

By Ian Miller | 01 December 2020

The Prime Minister has said that ‘devolution…should be used as a step to pass power to local comm...

FINANCE

The Government cannot keep kicking the can down the road

By Ian Miller | 12 October 2020

Despite manifesto commitments, there will have to be tax rises to repay that massive debt, writes...

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

We're not the 'parents'

By Ian Miller | 07 July 2020

District and shire county councils would all face abolition if the Government’s formula for the d...

HEALTH

The Government has moved away from undertaking to meet the pandemic's costs

By Ian Miller | 19 May 2020

The finances of districts and other councils, already under strain before the pandemic, may deter...

CLIMATE CHANGE

We need to be ready to cope with the next shock

By Ian Miller | 27 March 2020

When the opportunity to reflect comes, Ian Miller feels the conclusion may be reached that the UK...

SOCIAL CARE

Councils need a breathing space

By Ian Miller | 23 March 2020

Councils’ priorities are now focused on fighting coronavirus, says Ian Miller – and this urgently...

WHITEHALL

Sharing of powers is not devolution

By Ian Miller | 12 February 2020

District councils need a broader range of fiscal devolution, starting with the taxes, fees and ch...

DEPARTMENT FOR LEVELLING UP, HOUSING AND COMMUNITIES

Don't seek to frustrate legitimate use of powers by the back door

By Ian Miller | 03 December 2019

Councils must have regard to the MHCLG guidance on investments, says Ian Miller. But a power to g...

HOUSING

Spending Round still leaves uncertainties

By Ian Miller | 09 October 2019

The proposed threshold of 2% for referenda on 'excessive' council tax increases is a retrograde s...