governance
Council has 'made progress' since chief's departure
South Ribble BC has ‘made progress to address historic governance issues and challenges,’ according to a Local Government Association (LGA) peer review.
Let councils be responsible for their own decisions
We should shine a light on council payouts – sort out the audit regime which is currently failing so desperately – and let councils take responsibility for their own actions, says Heather Jameson.
Thanet issued with rare Section 24
‘Serious concerns about the ability of senior officers to work together’ has led to cash-strapped Thanet DC being issued with a rare Section 24 notice.
Chief and leader at odds over government intervention request
Tensions between Thanet DC’s chief executive and leader have erupted into the open after the latter asked the Government to intervene in the council.
The importance of being prudent on investment
Richard Lloyd-Bithell explains why CIPFA's new Treasury Management and Prudential Codes 'continue to uphold a key principle of the prudential agenda: that borrowing primarily for return investment is not permissible'.
Expert guidance for the future of council companies
Strategic director of Local Partnerships David Crowe highlights guidance to help councils review their existing companies and learn lessons from others’ experiences.
Governance under the spotlight
More than ever, councils need to have the right systems of finance and governance in place. The role of the in-house monitoring officer in particular is one that has to change, says Seb Lowe.
There's a lot to play for when it comes to delivering devolution
While Government has provided a strong steer on the basic principles of county devolution deals, it’s now down to local areas to build on this guidance and bring forward proposals in collaboration with partners, argues James Maker.
Fears councils could be cut out of LEP role
Councils may be stripped of their role in the governance of local enterprise partnerships (LEP) by an ongoing all-options-on-the-table government-led review.
Doing the right thing
Dan Corry says the ‘slow crumbling of standards may not matter if people overall like the government of the day and feel it is delivering for them’ – but it feels like something quite important is in danger of breaking in the system.
System reset required: go to settings
As the APSE Local Government Commission 2030 launches its findings, Paul O’Brien says we need a big bang reset to resolve the issues facing local authorities.
Government asks CIPFA to review eight councils
Eight councils granted ‘exceptional support’ from the Government are to undergo independent reviews of their finances.
Time to ditch the Assembly
After 21 years, Richard Stokoe argues that the London Assembly is failing in its duty to hold the Mayor of London to account. Borough leaders, he claims, would make a better replacement.
Nottingham set to bring energy company in-house
Nottingham City Council is expected to bring the company that provides district heating and electricity to some of its most deprived local communities in-house for an estimated transfer cost of £500,000.
Sharpening the commercial edge
The case for well-managed council commercial activity is one that needs to be defended if we want a mature and sustainable local state, argues Jonathan Werran.
Northants commissioners in ‘hubris’ warning
Councils have been warned against falling victim to ‘hubris’ in the same manner as Northamptonshire CC.
Thanet facing £700k legal bill
Cash-strapped Thanet DC is facing legal costs of more than £700,000 as it grapples with disciplinary and grievance procedures.
Playing the NOC game
The 2021 local elections have resulted in more councils under no overall control. While uncertainty may be in play, understanding the ground rules of the new arrangements will lessen the chance of instability, says Ed Hammond.
Getting the basics right on standards
Joanne Roney says it is ‘high time’ the Government responded to the recommendations in the 2019 Committee for Standards in Public Life’s report on ethical standards in local government.
Admit when you’re wrong
If we know less and less about successes and failures because we allow denial of the truth and a refusal to admit mistakes, then we will be a weaker society for it, says Dan Corry.
