MHCLG
Department staff costs soar
The Whitehall department responsible for local government has seen its staff cost double between 2016-17 and 2021-22 while local government cut back its staff.
Goodbye to ...
The MJ highlights a tumultuous year for local government still impacted by the global pandemic, and not helped by a lack of funding and clarity. Martin Ford and Ann McGauran report.
To level up we need to invest in the place-based skills of councils
What is the best way to ensure that the Levelling Up Fund actually improves everyday life in the UK, asks Pooja Agrawal of Public Practice.
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.
Brokenshire: A man of integrity
Following the death of James Brokenshire last week, his former adviser Peter Cardwell looks back at his achievements during his time as secretary of state for housing, communities and local government.
Back to the future for Gove
The newly renamed communities department with its enhanced brief to deliver levelling up has shades of John Prescott and his regional agenda suggests Michael Burton
Chief and leader at odds over government intervention request
Tensions between Thanet DC’s chief executive and leader have erupted into the open after the latter asked the Government to intervene in the council.
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.
Councils could lose COVID cash over lack of data
English councils have been warned future funding to help reduce the spread of coronavirus could be at risk unless they provide accurate data on spending.
Jenrick sacked as communities secretary
Robert Jenrick has been replaced by Michael Gove in the Cabinet reshuffle.
CCN chair's devo pledge
The new chair of the County Councils’ Network (CCN) said unitarisation is ‘dead’ as the Government promises deeper devolution with more mayoralties.
Councils handed deadline for Afghan resettlement offers
Ministers have asked every council in the UK to come forward with offers of support for the Afghan resettlement scheme within 10 days.
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.
EXCLUSIVE: Council chiefs call on Government to co-produce a workforce strategy
Council chiefs have called on the Government to work with them to co-produce a workforce strategy similar to those for the NHS and civil service.
Building on new-found respect
Solace has been working hard behind the scenes to extend its reach across Government and offer unique perspectives on how policies join up in a place and work on the ground, says Joanne Roney.
Council leader warns of 'serious risks' over local plan withdrawal
Rutland CC’s decision to withdraw its local plan leaves it facing ‘serious risks,’ the authority’s own leader has warned.
Delivering the prize
Nottinghamshire CC has been ‘beckoned through the door’ to express an interest in an early devo deal, says council leader and MP Ben Bradley. What does he hope could be achieved for the county and the wider regional economy? Ann McGauran reports.
MHCLG housebuilding survey met with scepticism
A government survey designed to find out ‘any remaining barriers that may be stifling’ councils’ housebuilding plans has been met with scepticism by council chiefs.
Council in urgent plea for refugee support
Greenwich LBC has said promised government support for refugees arriving in the borough has failed to materialise.
Marsham Street looks to improve councils' 'cyber health'
The Government is to work with councils in an effort to bolster their cyber security against malware and ransomware attacks.
