News
CIPFA faces member rebellion over traffic light index
The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) is facing opposition from its own members to its proposals for a traffic light-style resilience index, The MJ understands.
Council withdraws from partnership to concentrate on transformation
Surrey CC’s human resources (HR) and organisational development (OD) departments have withdrawn for at least a year from a three-council partnership as the authority concentrates on transformation.
Lib Dem leader backs business rates replacement
Lib Dem leader Sir Vince Cable has called for a land value tax to replace the current business rates system.
Raynes bags combined authority post
Smith Square’s former head of programmes, Paul Raynes, is to join the team of directors at the new Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority.
Lancashire children's services out of special measures
Lancashire CC has been taken out of special measures following improvements to its children’s services.
Two unitary plan for Northants
Two unitary councils could be created in Northamptonshire under proposals unveiled today.
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Opinion
Children's services: the lives behind the numbers
Behind talk of crisis and budget pressures are children, families and our workforce. It is time to speak loud about it, says Robin Tuddenham.
Critical thinking for critical times
CIPFA’s Rob Whiteman highlights the need for bold, detailed planning and decision-making to stem the tide as local authorities continue to provide services while lobbying for much needed resources from Government.
What is the strategy for local government?
Lawrence Conway says the sector needs a unified strategy that is sustainable with forthright leadership and a focus on its goals and objectives.
Are council chiefs much different from football managers?
Blair McPherson looks at the delicate relationship between council leaders and chief executives and compares it with that of the manager and chairman of a top flight football club.
Councils deserve a better deal after Carillion's collapse
Local government figures recently met to discuss the current state of commissioning and procurement after the liquidation of outsourcer Carillion. David Hutton reports.
A funding system that’s had its time
Are business rates a dinosaur tax? Tim Willis explores the pros and cons of the current business rates system for local authorities and calls for innovative new solutions.
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Best Practice
30 hours make the difference
Staffordshire CC is one of eight authorities piloting the Department for Education’s 30 hours scheme from September 2016. The scheme is proving successful in helping get back into work or take on more hours, writes Mark Sutton.
Analysis
Pinch point
The battle for extra cash is on as local government struggles to balance the books and councils struggle to survive. With a Spending Review and Budget to come, Heather Jameson looks at the immediate future for the sector.
Private sector
Unison to step up pressure against outsourcing
The country’s biggest public sector trade union is to step up pressure on outsourcing as it plans for the impact of Brexit.
Wealden holds crisis talks with Kier
A crisis meeting has been held between Wealden DC and its waste collection contactor, Kier over its ‘unacceptable’ service.
Lancashire to re-run public health tender
Lancashire CC has agreed to re-evaluate its tendering process for public health services after a court ordered the council to set aside its agreement with Virgin Care.