Property
Councils ‘resistant’ to repurposing empty commercial space
A think-tank has accused local authorities of being ‘resistant’ to measures that could see empty retail spaces repurposed for housing.
Croydon to keep hold of loss-making property development firm
Croydon LBC is expected to keep hold of its property development firm Brick by Brick after rejecting an offer from a ‘credible bidder’.
Welsh council to end property joint venture
Powys CC has decided to end its joint venture with Kier, and bring housing and building maintenance services back in-house.
Council presses ahead with £100m property investment
Somerset West and Taunton DC has doubled down on its commercial property investments during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Councils to set priorities for First Homes scheme
Councils will be able to set a ‘local connection test’ to give priority to people such as key workers.
Weighing up the reality of net zero: nemesis or global hero?
As we approach COP26, The MJ and Local Partnerships gathered a group of council chiefs to talk about net zero and the role of local government. They went from cynicism to optimism – but they all have a passion and a plan for action.
The right time to show your agility
Agile working and remote delivery can offer a unique chance for organisations to achieve success in this post-pandemic world, including the ability to attract the best interim talent around. Stephen Hoban explains.
Fresh council warning over rates appeals
Councils have warned they could face financial collapse if potential cuts to business rates go ahead.
Council apologises over property investments
Kensington and Chelsea LBC has admitted putting income above community benefits in its past property deals.
How to support local real estate projects post Brexit
Councils supporting local real estate development must adhere to a new subsidy regime following the revocation of EU state aid rules, explains Clive Bleasdale.
Post pandemic public purse propositions
Mike Bennett and Tim Byles outline a holistic and strategic approach on post pandemic public spending in order to navigate the dangers ahead.
Jenrick launches plans to force sale of unused land
Communities secretary Robert Jenrick has announced plans which will force councils to sell unused land and assets.
Jenrick outlines fast track planning service for public buildings
Councils will have a legal duty to make decisions on new schools and hospitals within 10 weeks under reforms to the planning system.
Streamline local government under plans to save £30bn a year, think-tank argues
Streamlining local government and selling off high-value council properties could save billions every year, according to a think-tank.
The property problem
Lucy Woods advises a ‘pragmatic and sensible’ approach to managing the recommendations due to emerge from the public accounts committee inquiry into councils’ investments in commercial property.
MPs launch inquiry on local authority commercial investment
An inquiry examining investments in commercial property by councils has been launched by the public spending watchdog.
Flybe collapse hits council-owned airports
The airline entered administration this morning, leading to the grounding of all flights.
Government to review Public Works Loan Board
Two departments are looking at the ‘rates and flexibilities’ the lender offers councils.
Alarm bells over £6.6bn property spending spree
Auditors have suggested an overhaul of council borrowing and investment rules may be needed after ‘alarm bells’ were triggered by billions of pounds of spending.
Doubts cast over council's £100m investment plan
West Berkshire Council is to review its property investment strategy.
