Devolution
Boroughs in GP estate devolution call
London Councils has called for more devolution to boroughs of decisions on the GP estate.
The first big test for Boris from the Northern Powerhouse
The real test for the new Government is how much more power it is prepared to devolve to the Midlands and the North, reducing Whitehall interference and ministerial short-termism, argues Michael Burton.
Learning from two different governance systems
With elections looming in 2020, it is a topical moment to think about what we can learn from the combined authority structures and from London's governance system, says John O'Brien. What works best?
What are local government's prospects now?
Ben Page looks ahead at the prospects for local government.There is hope on social care, with a promise of cross-party talks within 100 days of the election. But on a host of issues, is benign neglect the best local government can hope for?
York welcomes House of Lords move suggestion
York City Council has welcomed news that the Government is considering moving the House of Lords to the city.
Boost for Yorkshire leaders committee talks
Local government secretary Robert Jenrick has agreed to talks on the role and functions of a new committee of leaders from across Yorkshire.
The stage is set for districts to demonstrate their key role
We hope ministers take away the message from conference next month that it is districts, backed by long-term sustainable funding, who are best placed to turn the new decade into the roaring twenties, says Cllr John Fuller.
Localis hired for fiscal devolution study
The Local Government Association has commissioned research to better understand how greater control of financial and fiscal levers might operate in non-metropolitan areas.
2020: Time for a new era in local and central government collaboration
Chair of Key Cities Cllr John Merry welcomes both devolution and the Government’s stated ambition to prioritise investment in infrastructure ‘as this is something that our regions are crying out for especially beyond London and the Home Counties’.
The sector cannot simply make blank cheque arguments
It will be crucial to show the new Government that investing in local government will provide a return for ministers, says Simon Edwards.
EXCLUSIVE: 100% business rates retention could be back on agenda
Full retention of business rates could shoot back up the agenda as part of a long-awaited Government review, The MJ understands.
If wholesale restructuring is done it must happen in a manner fit for the 21st century
Jan Britton wonders what lies ahead for local government - and asks if the Government, ‘with its unlikely northern soul and mayoral roots’ will be the one to genuinely deliver on devolution.
Mayors press for action to fulfill election promises
Newly-won Conservative constituencies in the Midlands and northern England have begun lobbying the Government for commitments to further devolution and capital spending.
Ringing the changes
Localis chief executive Jonathan Werran on how the Johnson government might seek to tackle the challenges brought by its unexpectedly broad mandate.
This will be a different Conservative Government
Head of local government at Grant Thornton UK, Paul Dossett, says the fact that the Conservative majority has been won by gaining seats in towns in Wales, the Midlands and the north of England will make a difference.
Devolution revolution expected after Johnson wins
Local government was this morning expecting a devolution revolution after Prime Minister Boris Johnson secured a sweeping election win.
Not a business as usual approach
Metro Dynamics has launched a guide for people working in and with towns that distils what it has learned over the past few years, based on eight principles. Mike Emmerich explains.
The year that was
It’s been a year notable for things that never were – the Spending Review, social care Green Paper, devolution framework or, indeed, Brexit. But proof emerged that most male councillors are actually called John.
All we want for Christmas is
In all, 2019 is a year epitomised more by deficiencies than its successes, says Heather Jameson. We are still awaiting the adult social care Green Paper; the Spending Review; the devolution framework; the local government finance settlement.
Future Forum North: Call for towns and cities to make peace
The driving force behind the Greater Manchester devolution deal has urged towns and cities to make peace.