Councillors
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.
Northamptonshire library closures ruled 'unlawful'
The decision to close 21 council-run libraries in Northamptonshire was made unlawfully, a court has ruled.
Whiteman: NHS will benefit most from Spending Review
Councils were this week warned not to expect a significant windfall in next spring’s Spending Review by the man who represents local government finance officers.
Income-generating investments announced by councils
Two more councils have announced income-generating investments as town halls seek the finances required to protect key services amid continued austerity.
Tory councillor defects over Yorkshire 'betrayal'
A Conservative councillor has defected to the Yorkshire Party after claiming the Government had ‘betrayed’ the county.
Councils bring it home
Diary admits it was excited when it heard whispers that football was coming home.
Powys CC chief executive to leave
Powys CC chief executive Jeremy Patterson is to leave the authority after almost 10 years in the role, the council has announced.
Somerset CC's leader denies Section 114 is 'on horizon'
Somerset CC's leader, Cllr David Fothergill, has denied the council is about to issue a Section 114 notice and has promised the council will deliver a balanced budget.
LGA under pressure on student council tax
Councillors have put Smith Square under pressure to lobby the Government to give local authorities the power to decide whether to charge students council tax, The MJ understands.
Cable: Commercial forays utterly bizarre
The leader of the Lib Dems has said it is ‘utterly bizarre’ that councils are buying up commercial investments miles from their areas.
LGA Labour group to seek legal advice
Smith Square’s Labour group will seek legal advice over national party proposals to allow members to elect council leaders, The MJ can reveal.
Dressing down for councillors
Think back to what councillors were wearing at the last council meeting you attended.
Watchdog hails leadership at Scottish council
Scotland’s public spending watchdog has hailed the improved leadership of councillors and officers at West Dunbartonshire Council.
Senior officers 'feel less secure'
Senior officers are less empowered to speak out when they need to because they feel less secure, the leader of a review of local government ethical standards has said.
Northants commissioners plead for patience
Commissioners appointed to stabilise Northamptonshire CC this week asked for patience amid snowballing member frustrations about the way they have operated since taking office.
'Laddish' culture at Cardiff
More than half of female councillors at Cardiff City Council have experienced bullying or intimidation in the last year, a survey of members has found.
Fresh finance warning for Northamptonshire CC
Northamptonshire CC’s finance director has issued an early warning the county already risks missing key savings targets that enabled it to agree a legal budget.
False alarm
There was a recent moment of drama in the chamber at Birmingham City Council – well, more than usual – when a ceremonial clanger was highlighted.
Grenfell council leader pays tribute
Kensington & Chelsea RLBC’s leader has praised the families affected and paid tribute to those who died a year on from the Grenfell Tower tragedy.
Manzie made a Dame
The former interim chief executive of Birmingham City Council, Stella Manzie, has been made a Dame in the Queen’s birthday honours for services to local government.