Infrastructure
Cyber criminals target councils in tactics shift
A fresh warning for councils to be vigilant against cyber attackers has been issued after a shift in criminal tactics.
Ready for a bright new dawn?
Rachel Reeves’ Mais lecture represented a clear shift away from New Labour towards an active state, a muscular industrial strategy and ambitious regional policy, say Mike Emmerich and Ben Lucas.
'Grave concerns' over phone switchover
UK mayors have expressed ‘grave concerns’ about the impact on vulnerable people of the planned phase out of the analogue phone system.
Pothole-riddled roads need £16bn investment, study finds
The condition of roads in England and Wales has continued to decline despite councils spending £144m filling in two million potholes this financial year.
Desperately seeking a long-term diagnosis
A successful economy needs to be built around world-class infrastructure - and skilled, healthy people and public services are essential to the delivery of both, says Iain Murray.
Harnessing 5G’s transformative potential for future-ready digital infrastructures
Cllr Neil Fawcett sets out why Oxfordshire CC jumped at the chance to lead the joint funding bid for the 5G IR (5G Innovation Regions) programme, for the benefit of local government and beyond.
We don’t need a Lyons’ 2.0
With the seminal 2007 Lyons Review in focus, Ben Franklin and Annabel Smith look at why place-shaping has captured the zeitgeist and argue local government does not need another review, and should instead 'get on and do it'.
Getting Britain building again
The Purposeful Finance Commission’s recommendation that businesses raise a target of £22.5m to help unblock urban infrastructure projects is an investment rather than a cost, says Tracy Blackwell.
How can we plan for the future of urban regeneration?
With public funding for development down and expectations up, Nick Walkley says the future of regeneration will need new forms of collaboration across sectors.
Is EV charging the new rural amenity?
EV charging is part of the solution to sustain thriving, dynamic rural communities, according to Zest.
Place shapers wanted
George Agyemang and Pete John of Penna share their experiences over the past few years on the leadership talent market for place, regeneration and growth, and have strong hopes for this year.
Rocket-booster for the UK’s economy
Newcastle, ‘backbone of the UK economy’, is powered by unique natural assets and a drive to innovate that is fundamental to the future prospects of the UK and the wider world. Cllr Nick Kemp explains.
Why flood levy’s no longer affordable
As places reel from the impact of recent floods, Cllr Paul Redgate says the Government must deliver a fairer and sustainable funding system for Internal Drainage Boards.
Oxfordshire’s green future: Failure is not an option
Cllr Pete Sudbury looks at the key messages that came out of Oxfordshire CC’s recent 100 Together green finance conference.
NAO issues wake-up call
The National Audit Office (NAO) chief’s warnings to Whitehall over governance are a wake-up call for councils too, the watchdog’s executive director Abdool Kara has said.
A brilliant new gateway: Brent Cross West station
Barnet LBC had to overcome significant challenges to deliver London newest train station Brent Cross West, but the project, though daunting at times, was worth it, says Cath Shaw.
HS2 bill leaves Cheshire East at risk of s114
Cheshire East Council could be left facing a section 114 notice unless it receives Government compensation for cuts to the High Speed 2 (HS2) rail link.
Autumn Statement: Councils to be able to recover planning costs
Councils will be able to recover the costs of business planning applications in return for being required to meet faster timelines, Chancellor says.
Levelling Up Fund allocated
The third round of the Levelling Up Fund has been awarded to unsuccessful bids from round two.
Climate change: combatting fatalism
Groundwork’s new strategy is one for a fair and green future in which people, places and nature thrive, says Graham Duxbury.