Economic growth
Future Forum: Government must do more to help those on lowest incomes
The Government has failed to do enough for those on the lowest incomes, a top economist has told The MJ’s Future Forum event.
Funding decision signals 'waning influence' of LEPs
The Government’s decision to slash funding for growth hubs and local enterprise partnerships (LEPs) confirms combined authorities will increasingly lead economic development, a former LEP chair has suggested.
Levelling up plans will fail, IfG report claims
The Government’s plans for levelling up will not cut regional inequality, a report from the influential Institute for Government (IfG) has claimed.
Delays to prosperity fund will hamper councils growth, say leaders
Delays to the allocations of the UK Shared prosperity (UKSPF) fund will hamper councils’ investment plans for the coming year, local government leaders have claimed.
Southern cities show strongest potential
Provincial cities in southern England with ‘strong local authorities’ show the strongest potential for economic growth, beating underperforming mets and most cities in the north, according to a report published today.
Marsham Street to cut funding pots
The Government will reveal its plans to streamline funding for councils this year after acknowledging a ‘patchwork of fragmented funds’ has emerged.
Devolution for all: Gove unveils long-awaited White Paper
By 2030, every part of England that wants one will have a devolution deal, the Government’s long-awaited levelling up White Paper has promised.
Council chiefs in supply chain warning
Council chief executives have called on the Government to act amid warnings of supply chain issues and labour market shortages.
Transport key to post-COVID recovery
Improving transport links between towns and cities is key to the post-COVID recovery and could save the UK’s ailing high streets, local leaders argued yesterday.
Getting a grip
The Government is riven with confusion and incoherence, says Dan Corry. Here, he puts forward the three qualities that are fundamental to getting back on track.
Copeland in 'Section 114 territory'
Copeland BC is ‘heading rapidly towards its minimum level of reserves and an expectation internally of issuing a Section 114 notice,’ an external assurance review of the council’s financial position has found.
Realising a joint vision for South Essex
A desire to push boundaries and do whatever is possible to accelerate interventions for sustainable economic growth has driven forward a partnership of seven councils in South Essex. Cllr Chris Hossack tells the story.
Time for a change (again)?
Levelling up secretary Michael Gove’s hints that local enterprise partnerships are ‘under review’ reminds Michael Burton of how governments cannot resist the temptation to reorganise
EXCLUSIVE: Districts in county deals warning
District council leaders have warned county deals will fail unless local government secretary Michael Gove gives them an equal role in devolution.
Osborne urges ministers to 'double' devolution efforts
Former chancellor George Osborne has urged ministers to ‘double’ efforts to drive forward devolution and local taxation.
Rates revenue shoots up
Business rates revenue shot up by more than 40% last month compared to the previous year as the economy improved, according to latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Ministry in rebrand to put levelling up centre stage
New secretary of state Michael Gove will preside over a beefed up new department with a firm focus on levelling up, it has been revealed.
The art of preventing a brain drain
Paul Shevlin suggests arts and culture have a part to play in attracting young residents to come to rural areas
Put education at the heart of levelling up, say CPP and NRG
Education should be at the heart of the levelling up agenda, according to the influential Northern Research Group (NRG) and think tank the Centre for Progressive Policy (CPP).
Levelling up too focused on infrastructure, claims report
Ministers’ ‘levelling up’ agenda is too focused on new infrastructure projects at the expense of improving key public services, councils representing English towns and cities have warned.