Budgets and efficiency
BREAKING: Fuller beats Saint to DCN role
South Norfolk DC leader, Cllr John Fuller, has thrashed his rival in the two-horse race to become the chairman of the District Councils’ Network (DCN).
We can help you achieve your objectives, Westminster
Jo Miller looks at the current state of the state and argues local government could make best use of the public purse because it understands the unintended consequences of Westminster policies.
To cut the arts or not to cut the arts? There is no question
Arts, culture and heritage are often among the first services to be scrapped, but John O'Brien highlights their importance not just for residents and visitors but for budgets, too.
A new deal
Paul Watson argues any spending concessions the DUP attempts to extract as part of a deal with the Conservatives should be mirrored across the UK, in regions and in local government.
An early start is vital
The argument for early intervention sounds straightforward, writes Alison Michalska, but the difficulties lie in evidencing that it is working.
The Deal makers
Donna Hall explains how a new strategy for Wigan MBC is laying the foundations to better manage demand and strengthen communities.
Counties can impact the next administration's agenda
There is a growing disquiet as to whether business rate retention offers the solutions to local government's funding needs, argues James Maker as he looks ahead to the Queen's Speech.
What happened under the last minority government?
Michael Burton looks back to the last time the UK had a minority government to see what history can teach us about our current political climate.
Politics is never about a single isolated issue
I don’t think anyone can really suggest UK politics lacks excitement right now. The past 12 months have provided one surprise after another, the latest being the new Conservative/DUP arrangements.
The varying models of local authority trading companies
Garfield Cameron highlights some of the best examples of local authority trading companies, but warns there is no singular model that will work for all.
Smaller BIGGER Different
A project to deliver shared ambitions for Sutton as a place will mean the council working in different ways and being more flexible, agile, outward-looking and enterprising, writes Jessica Crowe.
Countering the post-truth narrative
Good scrutiny can be a powerful lever for the greater and better use of evidence by councils to inform their decision-making, writes Abdool Kara.
What do local authorities really need from the next Government?
Sam Clayden looks beyond the politics and asks sector experts what the new Government – whatever form it takes – really needs to address.
How do we support the next generation of community leaders?
At the moment, too much money goes to the bigger care providers. Ewan King argues we must be better at building local community-based care services.
Labour shine the spotlight on public services
The Labour party has turned its focus on public services, with leader Jeremy Corbyn berating seven years of Tory austerity and pledging more than £45bn of investment.
Finding solutions to the care crisis
Long-term thinking and public engagement will be key to tackling the social care funding crisis, something the political parties have made a priority in their manifestos. Adam Roberts explains.
We have to marry our numbers and our words correctly
Getting the narrative right on our annual finances, as well as the potential future impact, is more important than ever, writes Adele Taylor.
We are dangerously dependent on London as a cash cow
The nation’s public finances rely too much on the capital, and the Tories seem indifferent to what happens to London’s economy after Brexit, warns Michael Burton.
'Commercial' shouldn't be a dirty word in health and care
Only by addressing the commercial realities of new health and care partnerships can organisations be entirely patient-focused and prevent contractual difficulties from affecting the quality of service delivery, argues Simon Goacher.
Unaffordable. Unworkable. We need to find a solution now
Payment floors and ceilings are all well and good for the concerned voter, but that still doesn’t tackle the real issues around care for the elderly, argues Heather Jameson.