Opinion - Page 1

A book about how a London borough which found itself with the highest incidence of Covid-19 in the country fought back offers a vivid portrayal of why national public policy can only work if it is ...

FINANCE

Putting the sector in the Budget driving seat: Ditch the SEND statutory override

By Rob Powell | 04 November 2025

Rob Powell tackles his seven priorities for the Budget and says it’s all to play for.

REORGANISATION

Empowering communities within LGR: Lessons from Ireland

By Lisa McNally | 04 November 2025

Lisa McNally says that as significant local government reorganisation gets underway in England, t...

FINANCE

Putting local government in the Budget driving seat: Leaning on the dream

By Mike Emmerich | 04 November 2025

Asked for his fantasy Budget, Mike Emmerich suggests we should ‘plan for the national big stuff’ ...

SKILLS

Investing in skills for inclusive local growth in Bucks

By Rachael Shimmin | 04 November 2025

Buckinghamshire Council’s approach to jobs, employability and skills shows how local leadership c...

REORGANISATION

Local government reorganisation: Better late than never

By Michael Burton | 04 November 2025

While LGR is already proving a challenge, for many Labour ministers it also represents unfinished...

ADULT SOCIAL CARE

How Knowsley transformed adult social care for residents

By Sarah Smith | 03 November 2025

Knowsley has grappled with health inequalities and complex social challenges. Now, through its am...

LEADERSHIP

New branch line shows success of focused local leadership in Oxford

By Caroline Green | 03 November 2025

Oxford's Cowley branch line project is a great example of what focused local leadership and indef...

EDUCATION

Education under strain: navigating systemic pressures and political choices

By Abdool Kara | 03 November 2025

Recent National Audit Office findings reveal deep-rooted challenges across England’s education sy...

ECONOMIC GROWTH

Sunderland leads UK Smart City revolution and tech growth

By Patrick Melia | 31 October 2025

Embedding connectivity infrastructure into the very fabric of urban life can ignite the condition...

DEVOLUTION

Forging the strategic planning skills that power devo

By Pooja Agrawal | 31 October 2025

The Government expects every regional body and strategic authority to prepare Spatial Development...