News
EXCLUSIVE: Growth boards plan for non-mayor areas
County councils have suggested ministers should establish growth boards to coordinate economic development in areas that do not have elected mayors or combined authorities.
Councils consider judicial review amid SEND crisis
Councils are starting to talk to lawyers about a potential judicial review of the Government amid a crisis in special educational needs and disability (SEND).
Cheshire East confirms new chief executive appointment
Lorraine O’Donnell was officially appointed at a council meeting yesterday.
Pre-Budget boost for Sunak
New chancellor Rishi Sunak has received a pre-Budget boost on the public finances, with latest figures showing a record January for tax receipts.
Burnham calls for English Barnett Formula
The Government should create an English version of the Barnett Formula to deliver fair funding outside of London, the mayor of Greater Manchester has said.
Councils braced for mounting pressure on aslyum support system
Concern has been raised over councils' capacity to support child asylum seekers ahead of an expected surge later this year.
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Opinion
This year’s model
As the tenth Conservative housing minister in a decade assumes the position, Localis chief executive Jonathan Werran assesses the political and policy challenges in the light of last week’s reshuffle.
Business rates’ broader debate
Planning for financial uncertainty, robust data and timely information around business rates appeals, are vital for good risk management, argues Joanne Pitt
There’s no quick fix to tackling climate change
If local councils are to capitalise on the zeitgeist of the climate emergency then they need some serious money and new powers – and time is of the essence, argues Paul O’Brien
We are £1 better off compared to 2008
After more than a decade, average pay has risen above its pre-election levels. Michael Burton asks what the future may hold for pay and productivity
Cabinet shuffle spells balance, not bonanza
Last week's reshuffle may have left Robert Jenrick as communities secretary, but Rishi Sunak's role as chancellor could be just as vital for local government, says Heather Jameson
The vitally important triangle
Donna Hall says the main role of the council chief executive is ‘always triangulation, every single time’ – making sure what is being agreed ‘is the right stuff and actually happens on the ground in integrated frontline teams’
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Best Practice
Accelerating growth, ambition and opportunity at Glasgow City Region
Glasgow City Region is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the UK. Kevin Rush outlines progress being made by the partnership of eight councils and plans to accelerate growth and investment
Analysis
The sound of silence
Local agencies are often ‘woefully ill-equipped’ to stop child sexual abuse in the family environment, says a new joint report from four inspectorates including Ofsted. Why is multi-agency performance still so poor – and what needs to happen next? [..]
Hot Topic: Economic growth
Private sector
Morgan Sindall profits rise to £90m
Morgan Sindall’s partnership housing and regeneration operations have helped drive up profits in its results for the past year.
Further moves to bring troubled housing company in-house
The termination of a housing management contract spanning four local authorities in Kent has moved a step closer.
Kier ends contract with Hackney
Hackney LBC has brought a £2.5m outsourcing contract with Kier in-house.