Politics
Tourist attraction firm expected to miss next council loan deadline
The company behind Brighton’s 450-foot tall seafront attraction is expected to miss its next loan payment to Brighton & Hove City Council.
Reforming council tax will help government level up
Reforming council tax will help the Government deliver its levelling up agenda for the Midlands and the North, according to a new study from the Institute for Fiscal Studies think-tank.
Developing local politicians, not elected officers
Member development must focus on the wider world with which councillors must engage, not just the needs of the council – says Colin Copus.
To co-ordinate or not?
Dan Corry asks if the familiar struggle between Downing Street neighbours tells us something about other attempts in the public and social sectors to co-ordinate work.
Row over York chief departure
A row has erupted over the departure of York City Council’s chief executive.
Scottish ministers hit out at UK austerity
Scottish ministers have blamed UK austerity measures for the financial difficulties facing councils north of the border.
Ministers consider 'additional body storage capacity' amid coronavirus outbreak
The Government has drawn up plans to provide nearly 200 buildings with a combined capacity for about 15,000 bodies as the spread of coronavirus intensifies.
Hancock announces May talks on social care
Health secretary Matt Hancock has urged MPs and peers to come forward to help secure a cross-party consensus on adult social care.
Rutnam: A lesson for all of local government
Sir Philip Rutnam has refused the chance to go quietly, says Heather Jameson. She believes it is a case that could have significant implications for local government.
Wright pushed out of Shropshire
Chief executive Clive Wright has been pushed out of Shropshire Council by the leading Conservative group after eight years as head of paid service.
PM should 'get on and deliver devo'
The Prime Minister understands the importance of fiscal devolution, he now needs to get on and deliver it, London’s most prominent councillor has claimed.
Reflections on a reshuffle
Bob Neill looks at what the latest Cabinet reshuffle will mean to local government and why the sector has to get its feet under the top table – now.
Extra council tax bands call
Former Treasury chief secretary David Gauke has called on chancellor Rishi Sunak to add additional council tax bands in next month's Budget.
Government told to 'stop dithering' over fair funding
Stockton-on-Tees BC’s leader has called on the Government to ‘stop dithering’ and tell councils how they will be funded beyond next year.
Cabinet shuffle spells balance, not bonanza
Last week's reshuffle may have left Robert Jenrick as communities secretary, but Rishi Sunak's role as chancellor could be just as vital for local government, says Heather Jameson
EXCLUSIVE: Councils call for say in devo White Paper
Councils are battling to ‘jointly craft’ the devolution White Paper ahead of its publication later this year.
EXCLUSIVE: Ministers to redraw LEP boundary map if edict ignored
Ministers have told local enterprise partnerships (LEP) they will redraw the boundary map early in 2020/21 if they fail to reach a deal on removing overlaps.
Rates repatriation revolt collapses
An attempt to repatriate the setting of business rates to Scottish councils has collapsed.
EXCLUSIVE: Jenrick plans intervention to help northern councils
Local government secretary Robert Jenrick is poised to intervene in the fair funding review to ensure northern councils do not end up worse off, The MJ understands.
Healey calls for new rough sleeping taskforce
Ministers will not end rough sleeping in this country before 2082 based on its current rate of progress, shadow housing secretary, John Healey, has said.