Austerity
Protecting tenants the Bristol way
Bristol City Council’s Rogue Landlord Unit has saved 345 tenancies in two years, says Shona Ali. She reports on a survey of councils and looks at long-term solutions to ensure protection for all renters.
Just when you thought it was safe
The first multi-year public finance settlement for many years might not answer every question, but could clear the decks for what lies beyond the deep blue sea of the next General Election, says Jonathan Werran.
Investing to deliver clean and green streets in Birmingham
Despite the city’s well-publicised challenges Birmingham City Council has taken the bold decision this year to invest a further £7.2 million into services as part of its Cleaner Greener Streets campaign. Cllr John O’Shea explains.
The local government workforce: equal by default
The APSE Commission message is clear: we need a well-trained, properly rewarded workforce to meet local public services’ future challenges, says Heather Wakefield.
Workforce churn will continue for some time, say sector experts
Recruitment experts have warned the COVID-19 pandemic could mean workforce churn in the sector persists for some time to come.
Mind the gap
An increasing number of senior managers in local government have announced their retirement and councils are finding it harder to recruit. Martin Ford examines the challenges and looks towards solutions.
Levelling up will not work without sustainable council funding
Rhetoric and big cash injections for large infrastructure projects are not the answer to the urgent issues councils and communities are facing, says Dr Arianna Giovannini.
Commission calls for funding reset
Local government needs a ‘funding floor’ at an agreed percentage of national income, a report on the future of the sector has said.
UK should emulate Biden - Marmot
Public health expert Sir Michael Marmot has urged the Government to follow the lead of US President Joe Biden to level up the UK.
'Inspirational' Ritchie to step down
Newcastle City Council’s ‘inspirational’ chief executive Pat Ritchie has today announced she will stand down in the autumn after eight-and-a-half years in the role.
Call for sector to 'resist' MPs' role in Levelling up Fund
A council leader has urged local government to ‘resist’ the role of MPs in the Levelling up Fund.
Reaping the benefits from urban green space need not cost the earth
Urban areas, even those that are densely populated, can still play host to biologically diverse plant and animal life, especially if they are supported to do this by sensitive and intelligent local land management, says Paul O'Brien.
A fresh start for the sector?
Josh Bembridge asks if, post-pandemic, the landscape has changed for future delivery of services across local government?
Building back better and fairer
Tameside MBC’s Budget and focus on Inclusive Growth offers a platform to work together to seize an opportunity to build a new and better future, argues Cllr Oliver Ryan.
Future Forum North: 'Business rates will be like Tudor beard tax'
A senior finance director has said ‘anachronistic’ business rates are ‘going in the direction of the Tudor beard tax’.
Picking up the pieces and rethinking public services
As Rishi Sunak braces the UK for tax rises 'it has to be about more than just replenishing the public purse', writes Heather Jameson. 'This is a chance to rethink public services and how we fund them.'
Index reveals funding woes
Most councils allowed to use capital cash to prop up their finances faced problems before the impact of the pandemic hit, new figures have revealed.
The cap didn’t fit, and lessons must be learned from it
The Government has revoked the £95,000 cap on exit payments rule. Heather Jameson says the plan was 'an erosion of employment rights not just for the highly paid execs it was aimed at'.
Shielding from future shocks
Amid a global pandemic, councils are dealing with an ‘eye-wateringly high’ list of obstacles to long-term financial planning, says Gary Fielding. He offers guidance on how to plan a way through uncertainty.
More cash, but not enough
With its £5.5bn extra funding for local government next year the Spending Review may have delivered more than expected – though this won’t be enough to reverse the cuts since 2010. Heather Jameson reports.
