Reorganisation
Are ministers and members obsessed with reorganisation?
Michael Burton asks how vital is structural reorganisation to delivering stronger local economies?
Reorganisation hopefuls should focus on place over structure
Delays to announcements about the future of local government reorganisation have left councils frustrated, but Jonathan House argues structural changes alone are not the answer.
Councils can’t rely on reorganisation
Authorities in Dorset, which have been poised for a decision on their proposal to replace the nine councils with two unitaries for months, met with communities secretary Sajid Javid last week.
Labour vows to return resources back to councils
A Labour Government would put capacity back into local government ‘very rapidly’ so councils can drive through the party’s vision for the country, its shadow communities secretary has told The MJ.
Andrew Gwynne: We need a DCLG that will fight for the sector
As the Labour conference gathers in Brighton, Shadow communities secretary Andrew Gwynne talks to Dan Peters about devolution, fiscal change, and his hope to represent the sector in a far more positive light.
‘Business as usual’ for councils despite Whitehall’s silence on reorganisation
Councils waiting for the Government to decide on their reorganisation bids have vowed that it is ‘business as usual’ despite the uncertainty.
South Norfolk and Broadland to share officers
South Norfolk and Broadland DCs are to consider sharing officers as they discuss plans to work collaboratively and drive efficiency.
Leaders concerned over lack of devo progression
Council leaders have called out the Government for not pushing ahead with its devolution agenda.
‘Over-governance’ fears outlined by new mayor
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’s new mayor wants a review of how local government is organised in the region to start by the end of this year.
Out of touch
Diary was reminded the other day of that oh-so-accurate cliché ‘out of sight, out of mind’.
Make or break for Taunton Deane and West Somerset
Taunton Deane BC and West Somerset DC are still waiting for the green light on their proposals to form a new council. But what benefits could the plan bring and what is at stake? Sam Clayden reports.
‘Risky’ chief exec plan a step closer for Lancs
Lancashire CC has pushed ahead with an ‘expensive and risky’ plan to replace its chief executive’s post with a combined senior position including s151 responsibilities, opposition councillors have warned this week.
Lancashire CC chief executive to leave after restructure
Lancashire CC’s current chief executive will be forced to step down because she does not have the qualifications necessary for the new role that has been created to head the council.
Basildon heads for ‘collaborative’ management structure
Basildon DC has taken further steps towards a more ‘collaborative’ management structure following the departure of the former chief executive last month.
Leader denies ‘witch-hunt’ to slash senior management roles
Lancashire CC’s leader has denied claims his plan to slash senior management posts was linked to his arrest as part of an ongoing police investigation.
Scots warned over health and social care strategy
Scottish councils do not have the funding needed for health and social care integration, the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) has warned.
Establish long-term sustainability plan, Scottish government told
Councils in Scotland do not have the funding needed for health and social care integration, the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) has warned.
‘Regional collaboration will strengthen services’
Local authorities must not be sidelined when it comes to funding if plans for greater collaboration goes ahead, the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA)’s leader warned.
PODCAST: People, passion and progress
In the latest Public Intelligence/The MJ leadership podcast Baroness Scott explains how Wiltshire CC has moved from an old-fashioned ethos to a modern business. Heather Jameson reports.
Four CCGs to merge in Derbyshire
The four clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) in Derbyshire are to begin recruitment for a single, shared chief officer, and are planning to move to become a ‘single strategic commissioning organisation’.