Opinion The MJ
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Retrograde is no way to fund financial recovery
March 26, 2024
If councils call out the Government for glossing over the facts, they must ensure terms such as balancing the budget and capitalisation are not matters of ‘spin’, says Rob Whiteman.
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Choice of a new generation
March 26, 2024
Now is a pivotal moment for councils to start developing strategies to engage with Generation Z, and in doing so start to rethink the future of local government, says Victoria Evans.
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The dead hand of centralism holds back productivity
March 25, 2024
If councils had the tools, most if not all of them could by now have set fees to recover the full cost of a fast-track planning system, argues Ian Miller.
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Bear traps
March 25, 2024
To escape from a 'bear trap' question in an open question-and-answer session don’t try and come up with the perfect answer or solution, advises Blair Mcpherson.
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Investment in neighbourhood services could be a crucial vote winner
March 25, 2024
'As we limp towards another General Election, we have yet to hear any comprehensive plans from across the political spectrum on how they would address the crisis in funding for neighbourhood services,' says Mo Baines.
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Supporting communities together
March 25, 2024
Genuine collaboration between housing associations and councils can help them meet their combined ambitions for communities and neighbourhoods, says Felicity Hunt.
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Reimagining council operations: Hunt vs. Logic
March 25, 2024
Claire Agutter says councils can navigate financial challenges by adopting robust strategic planning systems, implementing effective risk management, and prioritising service integration.
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Reflections on the West Midlands trailblazer devo deal one year on
March 21, 2024
Ed Cox sets out his five takeaways from the first year of the West Midlands trailblazer devolution deal.
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Daring to care pays off
March 21, 2024
Integrated Care Boards face many challenges, yet one year on from her review, Patricia Hewitt offers an upbeat assessment and, says Aidan Rave, there is indeed room for optimism.
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Distribution of funding is the trickiest area for councils
March 21, 2024
It is time for the whole sector to come together with a strong voice to say enough is enough, writes Adele Taylor.
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Meeting the needs of London’s care leavers
March 21, 2024
The Pan London Care Leavers’ Compact is only the start of the journey to better support care-experienced young people in the capital, says Matt Raleigh.
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Sticking plasters for a wound
March 21, 2024
Short-term funding and decision-making does not solve the underlying issues surrounding children’s services. It only stores up more pressure for the future says John Pearce.