Analysis The MJ
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The quest for community harmony
April 11, 2024
A Government-commissioned review has spelt out the difficulties councils face when trying to protect social cohesion. Martin Ford reports.
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An uplifting social alliance
April 2, 2024
Young people with learning disabilities want to work, but more supported internships are needed. To coincide with National Supported Internship Day, The MJ and DFN Project SEARCH held a round table debate to discuss how local authorities can help. [ [..]
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Mission impassable
March 26, 2024
After the DfE’s about-turn over its own consultation for councils to end the use of agency social work project teams, Rachael Wardell argues they diminish an authority’s ability to implement a consistent practice model. Ann McGauran reports.
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Solace at 50
March 25, 2024
As Solace hits its 50th anniversary – alongside the anniversary of the 1974 local government reorganisation – Heather Jameson looks at the highlights of an essay collection launched to mark the occasion.
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A first step in tackling abuse
March 21, 2024
As the Government finally moves to introduce mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse, councils are warning a complete programme of action is needed to significantly reduce the abuse and exploitation of vulnerable people. Mark Conrad reports.
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What now for Ukrainian refugees?
March 20, 2024
In the two years since the war broke out in Ukraine, local government has stepped up to help refugees. What happens next, asks Maks Wieczorski
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A quick fix – but is there any choice?
March 20, 2024
With news of capitalisation directions being given to several councils, Heather Jameson asks if this risky measure – designed to provide fiscal support – will ultimately provide greater problems down the line.
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Growth matters
March 13, 2024
Tom Stannard talks to Ann McGauran about why strengthening local government’s economic development and regeneration role is crucial if the UK is to drive forward on growth.
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14 years on: The ‘winners’ and ‘losers’
March 6, 2024
New data shows how £13.9bn of cumulative cuts in local authority funding in the 14 years since 2010-11 have hit the sector. Ann McGauran and Maks Wieczorski report.
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The first cuts are the deepest
March 4, 2024
Sector experts talk to Martin Ford about the effects of job cuts on councils’ resilience, the impact of austerity on the number of leadership positions and the downsides of super-directorates.
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The search for the Holy Grail of growth
February 28, 2024
In an exclusive interview, Lord Heseltine, the longstanding advocate of elected mayors, tells Michael Burton why powerful, devolved local government is essential for delivering the growth agenda.
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Don’t fall for all the hype behind AI
February 22, 2024
Natalie Cramp talks to Ann McGauran about some of the opportunities, risks and challenges emerging from the use of data and AI in local government.
