The MJ - your free ebook
Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, we want to do all we can to support you, so we will provide The MJ as an enhanced ebook here every Thursday, completely free, for the duration of the crisis.
News
Jenrick: We'll back local government
Robert Jenrick has promised that Whitehall will back local government in the same way councils ‘stepped up and supported people in their time of need’.
Jenrick announces more cash, income compensation and tax delay
Local government secretary Robert Jenrick has announced more cash and new ways councils will be reimbursed for income lost as a result of coronavirus.
Government’s ‘top down’ approach hindering LRFs
Poor communication by the UK Government of crucial changes to coronavirus policies is a central problem being experienced by local resilience forums (LRFs), says new research.
MPs refuse to back down on Westferry
MPs have refused to accept the Prime Minister’s attempts to close down questions over Robert Jenrick’s decision on the Westferry Printworks planning application.
Starmer to replace House of Lords with elected body
A Labour government will replace the House of Lords with an elected body of representatives from local and regional government, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer told a virtual Local Government Association conference session.
Credit ratings firm warns of 'tax shock' across Europe
Coronavirus is set to cause an ‘unprecedented tax revenue shock’ for regional and local government across Europe, credit ratings firm Moody’s Public Sector Europe has said.
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Opinion
Time to give LRFs back some value
The Government’s ‘top down’ approach has undermined local resilience forums’ ability to deliver local COVID-19 capabilities efficiently, say Dr Arabella Kyprianides and a group of specialist academics and former senior police officers.
We need to invest properly in the local state
We should see any COVID-19 relief monies as an investment in our nation’s future, says Core Cities UK portfolio holder for finance Cllr David Mellen. If we invest in public services now, we will get our nation up and running, he adds.
Positive change is possible
The care sector has witnessed great tragedy in recent months. IMPOWER's Stuart Lindsay says 'there is an opportunity to fast forward positive change and benefit future generations - albeit one that needs careful steering'.
Supporting more democratic, responsive urban planning and design
In one of a series of essays on how the wisdom of citizens could support councils in managing cities after COVID-19, Peter Baeck and Sophie Reynolds look at the urban planning and design process - and share inspiring examples from across the world [..]
Ready for a restart?
With local resilience forums being hampered by factors outside of their control, Solace spokeswoman for civil resilience and community safety Kirsten England asks if a complete reset is needed in central-local relations.
Building back better services for children
Chief executive of the National Children's Bureau Anna Feuchtwang asks how local and national government can build back children’s services that are better equipped to meet needs in the ‘new normal’.
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Best Practice
Is now the time to cancel your projects?
Using a structured, objective and consistent framework to support decisions about whether a project should proceed will make it far more likely that councils make the right choice, says Katie Lynch.
Analysis
Fighting for everyone’s rights
Cllr Gavin Harding MBE became the first person with a learning disability to be employed by NHS England. He says councils could do more to employ learning-disabled people in ‘serious roles’. Ann McGauran reports.
Private sector
The new local - taking a sector-led approach to restructuring
Ben Ward, partner at Ameo and Lesley Seary, non-executive director at FutureGov reflect on the future shape of government at a local and regional level
Test, test, test the tech!
Managing director of Penna Julie Towers offers some key observations on virtual recruitment, and says many of the online elements will be retained when lockdown eases further.
Mitie and Interserve Support Services to merge
Outsourcer Mitie has proposed to merge with facilities management firm Interserve Support Services by the end of the year in a £271m deal.
