A crucial step for Luton’s recovery

Luton BC’s capitalisation direction will allow the council to temporarily borrow money to fund services until its commercial revenue recovers, says Cllr Hazel Simmons.
Luton BC’s capitalisation direction will allow the council to temporarily borrow money to fund services until its commercial revenue recovers, says Cllr Hazel Simmons.
Mike Bennett and Tim Byles outline a holistic and strategic approach on post pandemic public spending in order to navigate the dangers ahead.
The penalty for not using our new pandemic mindset doesn’t bear thinking about, says Gill Kneller. 'With climate change, there won’t be another chance. Our chance is now', she adds.
The pandemic has made delivering strong, more inclusive and resilient towns crucial, argues Katie Hickman. Here, she outlines the two key elements that will ensure the success of the £3.6bn Towns Fund programme.
Tackling inequity in vaccination uptake depends on resolving what Jim McManus calls the ‘Big Four’ challenges – and councils’ role is crucial.
Let our localities choose which local delivery vehicles should drive growth and recovery from government’s post-Brexit cash pots, writes Localis chief executive, Jonathan Werran.
Arianna Giovannini says there is a consistent lack of clarity about what levelling up means - and it also remains unclear what areas should be 'levelled up'. The Government needs to develop a clear vision and strategy for the long-term, she adds.
Blair Mcpherson explains why he believes business sector high flyers decide local government is not for them.
The Prime Minister wants the elections to go ahead. But Dr Jonathan Carr-West says that whether a U-turn ‘has already happened or is still to come, we have missed an opportunity to make an early and clear decision’.
Local government has a looming leadership talent crisis, its brand isn’t sexy and the workforce is ageing. At the recent MJ Future Forum, Julie Towers, Toni Hall and Anthony Lewis of Penna revealed the sector’s positive view of the future.
Amid a global pandemic, councils are dealing with an ‘eye-wateringly high’ list of obstacles to long-term financial planning, says Gary Fielding. He offers guidance on how to plan a way through uncertainty.
Health and care integration is easier said than done, argues Localis chief executive.
Dave Hill explains his concerns about the impact academisation could have on child safeguarding
The strongly-represented LGA Conservative Group will have a lot to reflect on during the upcoming annual conference, as its leader, Cllr David Simmonds explains.
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