Analysis - Page 1

Governments are finally confronting the spiralling cost of children’s services. As pressures intensify and budgets buckle, the real question is no longer whether action is needed, but how far leade...

FINANCE

Crude reckoning

By David Blackman | 05 May 2026

In the wake of the Iran-US conflict councils could be hit by a surge in inflation, insecurity of ...

LEGAL

Southport Inquiry: a damning verdict

By Martin Ford | 23 April 2026

The inquiry into the devastating knife attack that claimed the lives of three young children in 2...

SEND

Moving SEND mainstream

By Martin Ford | 16 April 2026

The Government’s blueprint for reforming the SEND system has landed, but important details are st...

FINANCE

Winning the war on waste?

By David Blackman | 16 April 2026

Is Reform UK’s waste drive just a saloon bar dream or are there still genuine efficiencies to be ...

REORGANISATION

Holding the LGR line?

By Ann McGauran | 09 April 2026

Will reorganisation be delivered ahead of the General Election, and to what extent is the Governm...

PLACE-MAKING

Shaping places that work for everyone

By Ann McGauran | 08 April 2026

Key Cities and architecture practice We Made That have set out five Rights to Place to ensure equ...

REORGANISATION

Toil, then trouble on LGR

By Martin Ford | 02 April 2026

The Government has announced its decisions on new unitaries in four of the Devolution Priority Pr...

ADULT SOCIAL CARE

Show us the money

By Lee Peart | 31 March 2026

Social care funding is ‘a classic for the insurance system’, and the deadline for the final Casey...

TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION

Reducing reliance on temporary housing

By Naisha Polaine | 26 March 2026

Councils are still placing record numbers into short-term housing, but local authorities like Bar...

PUBLIC SERVICE REFORM

Peering into the future of Total Place

By Ann McGauran | 24 March 2026

National policymakers and local system leaders gathered at a convention to look at how place-base...