Local economies
Making council tax fairer is a good place to start on levelling up
If the Government wants to level-up, fostering inclusive growth and recovery across the country, making council tax fairer would be a good place to begin, argue Zoe Billingham and John Dudding.
Watford is taking care of business
Marie Power outlines Watford BC’s approach to ensuring their business community survives, revives and thrives in the face of the COVID-19 challenge.
A ‘bottom up’ response to Brexit
Paul Frainer thinks we are at a crossroads economically, socially and environmentally, ‘and Brexit is just one part of that complex system’.
Council tax rises could undermine levelling up
The Government’s reliance on council tax increases to boost local government funding could hinder the recovery of deprived communities, a think-tank has concluded.
Pushing for real reform
The pandemic was a game changer for the central/local government relationship, says Joanne Roney, who has started her two-year stint as president of Solace.
What next for the capital post-pandemic?
The levelling up agenda has focused on the Midlands and the North, but London’s economy has also been hard hit by the pandemic. The MJ and BT spoke to eight London chief executives on how they are adapting to the changes. Michael Burton reports.
The high street is dead, long live the high street
Six Key Cities members received all or part of the Future High Streets funding they originally bid for. Cllr John Merry explains how high streets can become the beating hearts of communities once again.
We need to continue to encourage people to do the right thing
What we need is clear, consistent messaging on how residents can keep themselves and others safe, 'not a bunch of new rules and regulations', says Paul Shevlin.
When a digital community is the answer
Kathy Kyle Bonomini outlines how she and her team have created a free community platform and social media channels to enable groups to collaborate on high street rejuvenation.
Planning for when the blight lifts
Westminster City Council’s leader Rachael Robathan says the central Government funding system to help businesses stand on their own two feet must be in place when lockdown eventually lifts.
Pandemic’s route to devolution
We must use what has been learned from COVID-19 to agree a new relationship with Government, based on a shared commitment to devolution, argues Anthony May.
Sampling COVID’s impact on Surrey
Michael Coughlin describes how Surrey CC is developing a ‘rich and granular’ understanding of how its residents, communities and the local economy are being impacted by the pandemic.
A hard act to follow
Neil McInroy steps down this year as chief executive of the Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES). Ann McGauran talks to him about his legacy and the challenges ahead for the UK.
Top insights on adversity
Leadership in local government was tested in 2020 like never before. Here, chief executives reflect on the lessons they will take with them into this year and beyond. Ann McGauran reports.
Questions over councils' regeneration role
A lack of funds and expertise prevents local authorities from reversing the decline of many town centres, MPs have heard.
Levelling up our health and wealth
The current challenges can be a catalyst for a major rethink about how national and local government spends and invests to create better communities, says Solace spokesperson for economic prosperity Robin Tuddenham.
Hats off to those who have worked tirelessly on the pandemic frontline
The efforts of local government at the pandemic frontline during the past year have been nothing short of heroic, says Heather Jameson. 'Never have local authorities been so ambitious, so innovative and so committed', she adds.
COVID-19 impact on council income uncovered
Spending on car parks fell to 10% of 2019 levels and gyms 20% during the first lockdown.
Communities and councils need the power to act locally on unemployment
We need to give local authorities the power and the means to tackle unemployment rates at a community level, says Vidhya Alakeson.
A well-deserved break for the workforce
Even the Government’s most fervent supporters must admit its response to the pandemic has been muddled, says Michael Burton. In contrast, local government has risen to the challenge.
