Economic growth
It's time to go beyond GDP
Methods such as GDP and GVA have been traditional ways of measuring what matters in our economy - but Andy Norman argues inclusive growth is the future.
Learning lessons from LEPs
Aileen Murphie examines the role, progress and development of local enterprise partnerships from the eyes of the National Audit Office.
Report: Council of the North needed to drive growth
A Council of the North should be created to develop and implement an industrial strategy for the region, a new report has suggested.
Narrowing the outcomes gap in Kensington & Chelsea
Kensington & Chelsea RLBC has published a plan to create a successful economy and tackle the barriers preventing residents from fulfilling their potential, says Cllr Catherine Faulks
Are we shooting for the moon?
Cumbria CC’s deputy leader Cllr Peter Thornton makes the case for fair funding and fairer investment – to help unlock the inherent strength and potential of the UK’s rural areas.
Transforming towns
Councils looking for an example of how to transform their towns into vibrant areas for the 21st century can draw a great deal of inspiration from Roeselare, a town of 60,000 people in Belgium.
Harnessing the best of the West
Ann McGauran reports on the launch of Metro Dynamics’ report making the case for the creation of the UK’s next wealth generator – the Great Western Powerhouse
The South East can deliver just when the UK needs it most
Productivity in the South East is the same as it was a decade ago, says David Covill. It’s a trend that needs to be reversed, he argues.
LEPs ‘lack transparency’ despite receiving £12bn of Government funding
The Government has ‘no real understanding’ of the impact of the £12bn Local Growth Fund, MPs said today.
Non-metropolitan councils need the power to tackle barriers to growth
The Post-Brexit England Commission’s final report has set out a prospectus to Government of ‘tangible, practical proposals’ with the potential to ‘make a difference to local communities quickly’.
Mid-sized cities should be Government’s automatic choice for tech impact pilots
Chair of the Key Cities Group Cllr Peter Box says mid-sized cities are ideally positioned to be the UK's automation pilot areas (AutoPilots)
Brexit and austerity blows threaten service delivery
Nearly half of local authorities say some councils will fail to deliver essential services over the next year, says PwC’s latest annual local government survey.
Making cities emotionally intelligent places
Europe’s first ‘urban psychology’ summit looked at how we might make cities that better help people develop from pre-birth onwards. Chris Murray outlines the key points from the agenda-setting event.
Shared ambitions
Colleagues shared their ‘passion, energy and commitment’ at the Association of County Chief Executives spring seminar despite uncertainty in virtually every local government agenda, says Anthony May
Think-tank finds austerity holding back Northern Powerhouse
Increased devolution is needed to ensure the success of the agenda, the IPPR North think-tank has argued.
Giant observation wheel sought by Scarborough
Scarborough BC is looking to add a giant ‘observation wheel’ to the resort’s attractions.
Measuring success is more than just boosting GDP
The past decade in local government has been dominated by pushing forward local economies, with subtle shifts in focus, but tirelessly chasing GDP, says Heather Jameson. But is there a new way?
Driving ahead with a new cultural and tourism strategy
Great Yarmouth BC is finalising a new strategy aligning its tourism and cultural offers, says Sheila Oxtoby - and alongside this it is shaping a 'place story' to support promotion.
What can local authorities learn from the local industrial strategies signed so far?
Last week Manchester Combined Authority backed by local public and private sector leaders agreed England’s second local industrial strategy (LIS). Adam Cunnington says local government is central to this process
Mapping out a bright future for Hampshire
Cllr Roy Perry outlines the work of the Hampshire 2050 Commission of Inquiry and its focus on maximising the benefits of technological advance and managing the impact of climate change so everyone can continue to enjoy a good quality of life.