Levelling up
Gove: My most exciting job yet
New communities secretary Michael Gove has argued that the renaming of his department is a ‘sign of confidence in local government’.
Devolve powers to level up
The panel brought together by the Centre for Progressive Policy think-tank agreed local government needed more powers to make the agenda a success.
Town centres reimagined
There is no better time to start the complex and ever-evolving challenge of reinventing town centres, but the most successful regeneration stories share one thing, says Richard Sterling.
Counting the benefits of good partnership
The South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership was formally signed off this summer. It will build on South Holland DC’s own experience of partnership working, and build something even bigger, says Rob Barlow.
The power of quiet diplomacy
Outgoing chair of the District Councils’ Network, Cllr John Fuller, talks to Martin Ford about his legacy. He says districts showed their mettle during COVID and are best placed to deliver the levelling up agenda.
Wages and good and bad government
Many communities in the UK would benefit from higher wages, says Mike Emmerich, but does the Prime Minister have a strategy for delivering them?
It is teamwork that makes the dream work
The Government would be wise to do all it can to de-escalate tensions with councils over funding, says Joanne Pitt.
How can the NHS work with councils on levelling up?
Andrew Laird says the levelling up jigsaw is missing one major piece – the NHS – and he points to an ethical barrier to it playing a full role in this crucial policy agenda.
Councils have 'irreplaceable' role in levelling up
Councils are ready to work with central government to deliver change in communities, president of chief executives' organisation Solace, Joanne Roney, has said.
Core Cities' offer is not just a housing opportunity
Core Cities UK's offer to the UK Government to increase annual housing delivery up to a total of 25,000 homes per year, offers not just a housing opportunity, but also a skills, employment, economic and low carbon dividend, says Cllr Nick Forbes.
Letting the poppies bloom
Heather Jameson says the Conservative conference has put levelling up and skills front and centre, but voters may be looking for a short-term fix.
Let councils be responsible for their own decisions
We should shine a light on council payouts – sort out the audit regime which is currently failing so desperately – and let councils take responsibility for their own actions, says Heather Jameson.
White van man on... levelling up
I’m a simple geezer and them politicians are always pulling the wool over our eyes to cover up their cock-ups hence why I wouldn’t trust them to run a whelk store – but you’ve got to admit they’ve really pulled a blinder with this so-called levelling up.
A focus on areas with stronger leaders will not be good news for all places
What will the devolution agenda look like under Michael Gove, asks Arianna Giovannini? The cases of Ben Houchen and Andy Burnham are 'equally telling on what the way ahead might look like', she says.
Counties in council tax warning
County leaders have warned council tax bills would have to rise by a fifth over three years to get close to eliminating their deficits.
Mayoral devolution is 'central to levelling up,' claims Clarke
Devolution is central to the levelling up agenda, chief secretary to the Treasury, Simon Clarke, told the Conservative Party Conference.
One in three say levelling up is meaningless
Fewer than a third of people in the north and Midlands believe the message behind levelling up is clear, according to a new survey.
‘It’s about levelling up’
Pam Smith, Karen James and Andrea Green talk to Ann McGauran about how their strong relationship as leaders has helped their teams provide a system of support for health and social care in Stockport.
Let’s ditch ‘panel game’ funding
Cllr John Merry talks to Ann McGauran about how Key Cities are faring as they look towards recovery, and says he’s approaching the White Paper on levelling up with an ‘open-minded spirit’.
Michael Gove sets out his stall for levelling up
Michael Burton says the vision levelling up secretary Michael Gove touched on for the policy at the Conservative Party Conference implies the need for more resources if necessary - 'which may not please the chancellor'.
