Title

FINANCE

Campaign for Fiscal Freedom

The MJ has launched a campaign, calling on the Government to give councils more financial freedoms.

The MJ has launched a campaign, calling on the Government to give councils more financial freedoms.

In the run up to the general election, the case for fiscal devolution is being made across the sector.

From the London Finance Commission to the Core Cities and Key Cities, the case for financial freedoms to help urban local authorities grow their economies is clear.

Even the CLG select committee has launched an investigation into devolution to cities.

Here is just some of the coverage of our campaign – and details of the other sources of information on the subject.

If you want to be part of the campaign, email us at mjfeatures@hgluk.com or call 0207 973 6691.

News

Clark rallies for cities

Double your devolution money, Miliband promises English councils

Local control of Whitehall spend is next step to fiscal freedom, cities minister tells MPs

Sir Merrick's fiscal rallying cry

'Super councils' seek powers

Council tax referendums 'absurd', says DCLG Lib Dem minister

Sawford: Local government finance model 'pushing councils to brink'

DCLG warns against rushing towards further decentralisation

Features

Michael Burton reports on the Key Cities Group and the Smith Institute's calls for fiscal devolution.

http://www.themj.co.uk/MemberPages/Subscribe/article.aspx?id=195993

Opinion

Fiscal devolution is all about the political will – The MJ editor Heather Jameson

Let's make a deal, London Councils chief executive John O'Brien

Know your boundaries, Centre for Cities chief executive Alexandra Jones explains how working across economic boundaries will ultimately contribute to economic growth

Don't just mind the gap – close it, argues RSA City Growth Commissioner, Ben Lucas

Helping our cities soar, Bristol Mayor, George Ferguson makes the case for giving cities full control over local property taxes

Counties need fiscal devolution too, says CCN chairman David Hodge

District councils are ready to deliver, writes DCN chairman Cllr Neil Clarke

CIPFA chief executive Rob Whiteman considers the future for local government finance

We need radical devolution for economic growth, says Newcastle City Council chief executive Pat Ritchie

Drop the begging bowl, says MP Graham Allen

External links

London Finance Commission

CLG select committee on fiscal devolution

Core Cities bid for fiscal reform

FINANCE

BCP asks Government to raise tax referendum cap

By Martin Ford | 05 January 2026

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council has approached the Government over increasing its council tax by more than 4.99% without a referendum.

FINANCE

Swindon joins Thames Valley devolution bid

By Paul Marinko | 19 December 2025

Councils across the Thames Valley have formally submitted an expression of interest to government in forming a mayoral strategy authority to include Swindon.

FINANCE

A year to remember...

By Martin Ford | 17 December 2025

A devolution priority programme combined with a wider council reorganisation that could be seen from space; Reform UK limbering up to terrify a Labour Govern...

FINANCE

APSE's annual polling generates good and bad news for councils

By Mo Baines | 11 December 2025

Highlights from APSE’s major annual Survation poll has found a divergence of views amongst the public and councillors on asylum accommodation and unwelcome ...

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