Economic growth
Why we are celebrating a battle we lost
Alan Jarrett explains how Medway Council is celebrating its history to put the place on the map and progress its ambitious regeneration projects.
The re-balancing act
Cornwall was already making strides to re-shape its economy before the UK voted to leave the EU. One year on, despite the threat of European structural funds vanishing, Kate Kennally says Brexit is a catalyst for progress to continue apace
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.
Scottish Government responds to councils' campaign
The Scottish Government has said a new bill will meet the needs of its island communities.
Government urged to sort out ‘messy and muddled’ policies
The next government needs to provide a ‘strategic direction’ for councils currently operating in a ‘very messy and muddled policy environment,’ a think-tank boss has urged.
Revamp for Croydon’s Fairfield Halls
Croydon LBC has chosen Vinci Construction UK to complete the development of entertainment venue Fairfield Halls by 2018.
The keys to prosperity
Key Cities leaders gathered at a round table event, organised in partnership with The MJ, to discuss their pivotal role in propping up the UK economy and creating vibrant communities after Brexit. Sam Clayden reports.
The new kids on the block
Now the six regional metro mayors have been elected they must deliver devolution. Sam Clayden reports.
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough mayor sets out 100-day vision
The new mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough has unveiled a 100-day manifesto laying the foundations for major transport updrages, skills boosts, economic growth and housebuilding.
Capitalising on municipal marijuana
Paul Wheeler calls for the UK to take a (cannabis) leaf out of Canada's legislation book.
The mayoral question
With just a week to go until residents in six regions take to the polls, Professor Andy Pike looks at the international evidence and warns the case for metro mayors risks becoming an article of faith rather than of fact.
Do not underplay the role of districts in driving economic growth
The green paper underplays the role districts and clusters can play as economic enablers, argues Lawrence Conway.
‘Give NI councils powers to do their jobs’
Northern Irish councils should be given the ‘power and the resources to do the job’ while Stormont’s political parties continue to row, a key figure in the province has argued.
The PUSH for more successful economies
Simon Eden and Charles Freeman look at what the Partnership for Urban South Hampshire (PUSH) achieved, and explore the benefits of cross-sector networks and partnerships.
A venture for change
Slough Urban Renewal, a 50:50 joint venture between Slough BC and Morgan Sindall, is focusing on delivering regeneration for the borough by transforming the physical environment and making a positive impact on people’s lives. Andy Howell explains.
Messages from the private sector
Malcolm Morley interviews leading business figures and produces some key lessons for commercial councils.
Something to build on
Key figures talk to Heather Jameson about the impact the Industrial Strategy will have on national growth, with local government poised to take centre stage.
Map the Industrial Strategy around functional economic areas
The new Industrial Strategy should be rooted in the principles of people and place and mapped around functional economic areas, housing marketing areas and travel to work areas, argues Sandra Dinneen.
The Government must give major projects the green light
Local government must be among those pushing the Government to ensure nationally significant.