Opinion The MJ
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Sunak faces his countdown
May 8, 2024
Duncan Flynn says the clock is ticking very loudly for Rishi Sunak and he’s struggling to find the words needed to connect with a sceptical electorate.
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Sweet oblivion
May 8, 2024
The election results should give greater purchase for pushing through Rachel Reeves' take on industrial strategy and addressing the continued national productivity failure, says Jonathan Werran.
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After the election, beware of needless reshuffles
May 8, 2024
Heather Jameson says senior council officers now face a new challenge: 'turning towards new, energised political leaderships with a new set of priorities. Is this invigorating, or exhausting?'
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districtview
May 7, 2024
Perhaps the sector would benefit from clear KPIs for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, including about when it will reform the local government finance system, says Ian Miller.
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Gauging the benefit of productivity plans
May 7, 2024
At the least the new Government requirement for productivity plans will give a platform for authorities to show to their residents, and central government, all they have achieved through improving their efficiency and effectiveness, says Abdool Kara [..]
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The NHS is the top concern for voters
May 7, 2024
What the latest IPSOS data shows is that the mayoral model can work in terms of public recognition – even if real power remains firmly rooted in Westminster, according to Ben Page.
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Doing the basics well helps us deal with the changes to come
May 7, 2024
If the last 12 to 18 months has taught the sector anything, it is that volatility remains a watchword, says Adele Taylor: 'But we also need to play our part in controlling and managing what we can.'
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Can mayoral polls help Tories buck their losing trend?
May 7, 2024
Jonathan Werran picks out the highlights from the local and mayoral poll results so far, and he argues the case for a more stable set of electoral cycles.
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Tread carefully when talking to members
May 3, 2024
Passion and professional values have their place but they need to be shaped to take account of the political environment, says Blair Mcpherson.
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Children and childhood must get the priority they deserve
May 3, 2024
A plan for childhood should have a focus on developing the workforce, as well as a national emphasis on improving children’s outcomes in a systematic way, says Andy Smith.
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Changing the outlook on homelessness
May 3, 2024
With the number of homeless people in London alone reaching shocking levels and temporary accommodation costs eating into council budgets, Sir Bob Neill looks at possible solutions to the crisis.
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1984 and all that
May 3, 2024
Forty years from the passing of the Rates Act, how relevant are the provisions designed to give central government control over the governance of local taxation and expenditure, asks Jonathan Werran.
