Politics
Tory council criticised over shopping centre purchase
A Conservative-led Surrey council has been criticised for failing to follow ‘good practice’ during its purchase of a shopping centre.
Section 114 council leader survives vote of no confidence
Slough Council’s leader, Cllr James Swindlehurst, has survived a vote of no confidence in the wake of the authority issuing a Section 114 notice.
Peers call for council tax reform
A cross-party chorus of peers has called for reform of the council tax system and new bands to be introduced.
Local government given partial self-isolation exemption
Local government has been included on a list of sectors that may be allowed to ignore COVID self-isolation rules, the Government has confirmed.
Johnson has flunked levelling up explanation chance, says MP
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has ‘flunked’ his chance to explain what levelling up means, the chair of a parliamentary committee has claimed.
Balls steps into awards presenting chair
There could be dancing in the aisles at The MJ’s awards gala lunch on September 17 – for former Strictly Come Dancing star Ed Balls will be announcing the winners.
Jenrick announces unitary deals
North Yorkshire and Somerset CCs have been given the go ahead to become single unitary councils while Cumbria will be carved in two.
Pressure mounts over planning reforms
Conservative councillors have bolstered the growing numbers opposing the Government’s planning reforms.
Lancashire rules out city of culture bid
The council has resisted pressure to back the county’s bid to become the next city of culture in 2025.
Minister fends off towns fund criticism
The Government aims to detail how the success of the towns fund will be judged before the summer recess.
Johnson: Bring your devolution plans to me
Prime Minister Boris Johnson called for local leaders to take their devolution plans to him in a keynote speech from the West Midlands this morning.
Voter ID 'colossal waste of money,' says Labour
Proposals to introduce voter ID are a ‘colossal waste of money,’ Labour has argued.
Taking a risk
A new study warns of looming unfunded risks to the public finances from climate change to adult care which Michael Burton says should be heeded by the chancellor as he prepares the next Spending Review
EXCLUSIVE: Councils push back over reserves raid threat
Council chiefs have pushed back as the Treasury eyes up the sector’s reserves in the run up to this year’s Spending Review, The MJ understands.
Reed accuses government of dropping devolution
Shadow communities secretary Steve Reed has accused the Government of dropping its commitment to devolution.
Lib Dem leader calls for urgency on social care reform
Speaking at the Local Government Association’s virtual conference, party leader Sir Ed Davey said he still had hopes for cross-party talks on the issue.
EXCLUSIVE: Jenrick's exit payment intervention
Communities secretary Robert Jenrick personally intervened to strengthen the Government’s proposed crackdown on councils’ use of exit payments, The MJ has learned.
New subsidy rules unveiled
New rules on the awarding of subsidies by local authorities to businesses have been unveiled to MPs following Brexit.
White van man on... ministers
I’m always amazed how ministers, who come from nowhere, know nothing, have run nothing and couldn’t organize the proverbial booze-up in a brewery, are let loose on squillions of our taxpayers’ dosh and yet we’re supposed to be amazed they then flush it all down the khazi.
Time to ditch the Assembly
After 21 years, Richard Stokoe argues that the London Assembly is failing in its duty to hold the Mayor of London to account. Borough leaders, he claims, would make a better replacement.
