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The MJ Future Forum latest

Missed The MJ Future Forum? Catch up with all the latest from our 24-hour summit where we heard from speakers including Baroness Louise Casey and former secretary of state John Denham

Baroness Casey at The MJ Future Forum 2026

Baroness Casey at The MJ Future Forum 2026

As local government faces a wide range of challenges and opportunities, The MJ brought together a host of speakers at our Future Forum.

The 24-hour summit heard from speakers including chair of the Independent Commission on Adult Social Care, Baroness Louise Casey, and former secretary of state for communities and local government John Denham, and many more. 

You can find our coverage here: 

Future Forum: Casey calls for public service 'coterminosity'

Baroness Louise Casey has argued ‘coterminosity' across public services is key for achieving real change for communities.

 

Councils urged to embrace Total Place

Councils should seize the opportunity presented by ministers' renewed interest in Total Place, according one of its pioneers.

 

Councils must put 'rules and tools' in place ahead of political change

Councils need to put ‘rules and tools ‘ in place if they are expecting a political change ‘or a lot more challenge', the Future Forum has heard.

 

Reorganisation threat to transformation

Fears that ambitions to include transformation alongside local government reorganisation may not be realised have been voiced at The MJ's Future Forum.

 

Warning against 'more of the same' post-reorganisation

Fundamental questions remain to be answered in the local government reorganisation process, The MJ Future Forum has heard.

 

 

Getting local government reorganisation land transfers right

By Raj Flora-Seehra | 16 March 2026

By reviewing portfolios in advance, councils can avoid unnecessary complications and ensure the transfer of a clear, well-managed estate that supports future...

Whitehall thinks its expenditure should be subject to less scrutiny than the local state

By Ian Miller | 16 March 2026

The patriarchal attitude towards councils is shown in Whitehall’s approach to financial transparency, says Ian Miller.

Recruitment challenges restricting pace of Sandwell improvement, peers find

By Joe Lepper | 13 March 2026

Recruitment challenges are hindering continued improvement at Sandwell Council, a Local Government Association corporate peer challenge review has warned.

OBR warns pressures on council finances remain

By Sir Stephen Houghton | 13 March 2026

While the Local Government Finance Settlement represents a welcome step towards fixing local authority finances, the absence of long-term financial stability...

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