Local economies
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.
We need fairer funding of local government, and we need it now
Cllr John Merry says that while the chancellor stressed the need for more efficiency in this week's Budget, he would highlight the importance of fixing what is, in Key Cities’ view, councils' broken funding model’.
Offices for good?
With office occupancy averaging around 30%, Martin Forbes of Local Partnerships reports on a campaign with ACES to explore the implications for the local government office workplace and to consider wider concerns.
The new mayors will need the support of Westminster to be successful
'We need to give more attention to the powers and resources mayors have, and those they need – notably more control over fiscal matters – to do the job the country needs them to do', says Andrew Carter.
Connecting up the best in the West
Rebecca Davies highlights the launch of a new campaign in the West Midlands to connect passionate people with careers in local government that bring real value to communities
The threat from bank and building society closures
More than half of all bank and building society branches have closed since 2015 – nearly 6,000 in total. This has significant implications both for financial inclusion and our high streets.
Local government needs a 10 year plan for renewal
Jessica Studdert says: 'Whether or not future growth enables overall spending to rise, Treasury calculations should recognise the value of the local safety net as foundational for all other services to function effectively and less reactively.'
A call for prioritising local economic growth
In the case of councils in financial distress income-generation through a commitment to economic development must be explored, says Nigel Wilcock.
The power of two
As Devon and Torbay sign up for a groundbreaking devolution deal, Cllr John Hart explains what it will mean for local people, and how it changes the relationship with central government.
Putting assets in to active new uses
Martin Guest and Alistair Chapman look at whether real estate can effectively address local authorities' funding gap.
All parts of the country have been levelled down
For the next Government there will be serious choices and decisions to make in order to deliver the economic growth all parts of the country need, says Andrew Carter.
Preventing construction industry suicides
The public sector is failing in its role in tackling mental health in the construction industry, particularly around suicide among young men, says Stephen Young.
Levelling up must continue, urges think-tank
Efforts to level up the country and devolve more powers to local government should continue following the General Election, a think-tank has urged.
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.
‘Bad health blackspots’ hold back growth
Stark health inequalities are restricting economic growth, new research has found.
Cities find their future
Cllr John Merry looks back at Key Cities’ successes and considers what he would like the network and local government to achieve during the next decade.
Fund to go to town centre 'champions'
New guidance for the government’s £1.1bn ‘long term plan for towns’ has confirmed the boards in charge of spending the cash should be led by a local independent chair who will act as a ‘champion’ for the town.
Devo and Christmas ghosts of past, present and future
Alun Hughes spins a Christmas story about devolution, with Greg Clark as the ghost of Christmas past, looking at how the policy has shifted towards one more focused on empowering local leaders in England’s counties.
Telford’s tale of success
Deals galore and wise investment is breathing new life into ‘new town’ Telford, as Cllr Lee Carter explains.
A collaborative approach reaps rewards
Robin Heap outlines how the new BCP Council’s Bike Share cycle scheme has benefited the city region in a short space of time – and in the process became a big winner at this year’s The MJ Awards.