Transport
A plan for rail that falls short
Marcus Johns says the Government's long-delayed plan for rail plan is 'opaque on the role of devolution, local leaders, and regional bodies like Transport for the North'.
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.
Council prosecutes firm over jams
Thames Water has been prosecuted by a London borough after creating what the council said were unnecessary traffic jams three times in less than a fortnight.
Councils can issue traffic fines from December
Powers to enforce moving traffic offences will not be extended to local authorities in England outside London until the end of the year, a Department for Transport (DfT) minister has said.
Rolling on up
Diary loves the thrills and spills of a good rollercoaster.
More than £600m awarded to 26 new Town Deals
The Government has announced the latest round of towns deals, which will see 26 towns across England share over £600m.
Devolved potential in Cornwall is under threat from central Government inertia
Sarah Longlands says that unlike the ‘hero’ style approach of the mayors elsewhere, Cornish devolution has been characterised by collaborative leadership. But lack of Government action is putting devolved potential at risk, she believes.
Infrastructure services unit sale completes
M Group Services has completed the acquisition of Skanska UK’s infrastructure services operation.
Creating a shared city for all
Coventry is UK City of Culture 2021 and a Marmot City. Martin Reeves and Liz Gaulton explain how a sustainable, accessible and resilient city centre is being built, with a focus on health and wellbeing.
A post-election checklist for metro mayors
Chief executive of Centre for Cities Andrew Carter looks at what metro mayors should focus on after the elections - and the list of priorities includes housing delivery.
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.
Time to cut ties with the pandemic power grab
As the restrictions of the latest lockdown are eased, Claire Fox asks whether councils are clinging to their new powers to override democracy.
Questions over impact of reorganisation on Levelling Up Fund
MPs have sought ‘clarity’ on priority rankings for Levelling Up Fund investment.
Putting councils in the driving seat will bring the National Bus Strategy to life
Buses provide social, environmental, and economic benefits rather than just profit, says Peter French of the County Councils' Network. Councils are well placed to design a bus system fit for the future, he adds.
£10bn bill to repair local roads
The estimated one-time cost to get local roads in England and Wales back into a ‘reasonable, steady state’ is £10.24bn, according to a new survey.
Put climate change at the heart of building back, say MPs
Climate change needs to be at the heart of the government’s plans to build back the economy after COVID-19, MPs have declared.
Leading the way on the climate emergency
West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s approach to tackling the biggest challenge of our times led to it winning the Climate Emergency category at The MJ Awards last year, as Dan Peters reports.
Councils are key to our climate goals
There is universal agreement that climate change targets can’t be achieved if councils are excluded from the approach, says Paul O’Brien. He looks at what they are calling for if they are to be at the heart of delivering climate goals.
What next for the capital post-pandemic?
The levelling up agenda has focused on the Midlands and the North, but London’s economy has also been hard hit by the pandemic. The MJ and BT spoke to eight London chief executives on how they are adapting to the changes. Michael Burton reports.
A blueprint for locally-led green recovery
A coalition including councils, Ashden, ADEPT and others is arguing for five priorities for action to ensure the UK meets its 2050 net zero emissions target, says Cara Jenkinson.
