London Councils
Healing the sector’s crisis with respect
As veteran leader Ruth Dombey steps down at the Lib Dem’s longest-held council she makes a plea for a ‘grown-up’ relationship between Whitehall and town halls. Paul Marinko reports.
Putting finance on the devolution to-do list
Seeking real fiscal autonomy for local government at times feels as elusive as the end of a rainbow, says Alison Griffin.
Next Government urged to look at devolving air passenger duty
The leader of a Labour council in the shadow of Heathrow Airport has urged the next Government to look at devolving air passenger duty (APD).
Think-tank's call for landfill tax devolution
A think-tank has called for a portion of the proceeds from landfill tax to be devolved to councils.
Join the conversation on waste reform
Kieron Williams calls for more funding, flexibility and time for local authorities to implement recycling reforms.
Online sales tax not priority for London
London Councils has decided it will not prioritise an online sales tax (OST) as part of its lobbying effort.
Experts in fresh push for fiscal devolution
An independent group of experts is preparing to pile pressure on ministers to back fiscal devolution, The MJ understands.
Daring to be bold
The MJ’s series on building a new vision for local government, drawing from the 2007 Lyons Review, continues as Piali Das Gupta looks at how councils can do hard things successfully. 'We should have every confidence in the strength of our offer.'
Call for Whitehall homelessness strategy after rough sleeping spike
London Councils has called for a cross-departmental strategy to reduce homelessness after Government data showed a 30% rise in rough sleeping in a year.
Devolution has transformed the way local services work together in London
There has been an explosion of collaboration across the capital, says Alison Griffin. 'Twenty-four years on, we have many examples of joint working that impact our residents.'
London Councils call for greater powers over pupil numbers
London’s boroughs want powers to direct academy schools to slash pupil numbers, after research indicated reduced demand of 8,000 school places by 2028.
What Choice? Your Choice
Director of practice at the London Innovation and Improvement Alliance Dr Karla Goodman says the Your Choice programme aimed at supporting change in young people at greatest risk of involvement in violence represents a promising development.
Fewer than 100 homes for refugees are occupied
Fewer than 100 homes acquired using a fund to support English councils obtain housing for those fleeing conflicts have been occupied, according to the latest figures.
London Councils to step back support for land value tax plans
London Councils is expected to distance itself from backing the idea of a land value tax when its leaders meet next month.
DLUHC blasted over levelling up failure
The levelling up department has been blasted for failing to deliver its remit by a senior sector figure.
Emergency summit held amid temporary accommodation warnings
More than 150 councils this week attended an emergency summit as the cost of temporary accommodation to local authorities increases rapidly.
Adapting to London’s changing climate challenge
London and its residents are already being impacted by climate change, says Cllr Kieron Williams. He shares some of the approaches being taken to ensure the city can continue to thrive.
Welsh councils to wait for tourism tax
Tourism taxes will not be in place in Wales until 2027, the Welsh Government has estimated.
EXCLUSIVE: Boroughs quit not-for-profit
A not-for-profit company created in response to the growing homelessness crisis faces an uncertain future after losing more than half of its member boroughs.
Political heat is rising
Alison Griffin looks ahead to the looming General Election and what it bodes for local government.