Mayors
Why mayors matter
Polling shows the public wants more local control over policy decisions, and directly-elected mayors give them the chance to put place over politics, says Paul Swinney.
Battle lines drawn for local elections
Rows over levelling up have dominated the opening clashes as campaigning kicked off for next month’s local elections.
Powering up the North
Richard Stubbs and Michael Wood say the opportunity to strengthen both the health and economy of northern England is immense – and that is why deeper devolution is needed.
Parties draw battlelines for local elections
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has given a speech in Dudley today following campaign launches by the Conservatives and Lib Dems.
Observations on Japan’s strong local leader model
Reflecting on his Japanese Study Tour, Sam Cunningham says it is imperative to seek inspiration and insights beyond borders amid the challenges facing councils.
Growing pains
With local growth high on the political agenda, Ben Franklin sets out his recipe for success.
Court rules against police powers for West Midlands mayor
The High Court has ruled against the Government’s plans to merge the role of the West Midlands police and crime commissioner (PCC) with the regional mayor.
Tees Valley councils to learn extent of financial risk from Teeswork scheme
The financial risk faced by the five councils within the Tees Valley Combined Authority is set to be laid bare in top legal advice.
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.
Council funding crisis ‘existential’
Local government’s funding crisis threatens to derail ambitions to level up the north of England, it has been claimed.
Rayner to go ‘further and faster’ on devolution
Shadow local government secretary Angela Rayner has promised to go ‘further and faster’ on devolution if elected to Government.
More areas get level four devolution powers
West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire and the Liverpool city region will all receive level four devolved powers, local government secretary Michael Gove has announced.
The search for the Holy Grail of growth
In an exclusive interview, Lord Heseltine, the longstanding advocate of elected mayors, tells Michael Burton why powerful, devolved local government is essential for delivering the growth agenda.
‘There’s no national growth without local growth’
With an eye on the upcoming Budget and the General Election, Greg Clark outlines why local government must have a prominent place in any plan for UK economic growth.
London stalling?
Nick Bowes sets out the reasons why more progress hasn’t been made on devolution in London and looks at what’s likely to happen next.
Croydon to wind down Brick by Brick
Croydon LBC’s mayor is set to give the go-ahead to officially wind down the council’s development firm Brick by Brick.
Government’s thinking on transport integration is confused
Current arrangements for taxi licensing in shire counties work well and do not need to be disturbed, says Ian Miller.
Plan to fight poverty
Adrian Dougherty sets out lessons from a joined-up approach to addressing child poverty at North of Tyne Combined Authority.
National Apprenticeship Week: Focusing on local talent needs
A co-ordinated effort between businesses, metro mayors, local authorities, and the Government is required to implement a comprehensive national skills strategy, says Nicola Hay MBE.
Lyons: Where are we now?
The Lyons review of local government was published 17 years ago. If the inquiry recommendations had been put in place, would local government be in the position it is now? The MJ gathered a panel of experts – including Sir Michael Lyons – to ask just that. Michael Burton reports.