Unitary
A year of progress on county devolution
James Maker says that rather than stripping powers from any tier of local government, Clause 16 encourages and enables districts to play a more active and extensive role in devolution proposals.
New Cumberland authority set to appoint CEO
The shadow authority for the new unitary council will be asked to confirm the appointment at its inaugural meeting on Thursday.
EXCLUSIVE: Porter warning over fresh reorganisation push
Some district councils may seek unitary status to ensure they can influence the new wave of combined authorities, a senior Conservative councillor has warned.
Two years of one voice for Bucks
The logistics haven’t always been easy, but becoming a single unitary authority two years ago has given Buckinghamshire Council greater power and influence and has delivered clear improvements, says leader Cllr Martin Tett.
Future proofing the sector
Neel Patel looks at how councils are establishing large reform programmes to meet the financial challenges.
South-east Midlands eyes level two devolution deal
Talks are underway on a level two devolution deal for the south-east Midlands.
Cumbria drops legal challenge to reorganisation
Cumbria CC has decided to drop its legal challenge after losing its second High Court bid for a judicial review of local government reorganisation.
Cumbria loses second bid to stop reorganisation
Cumbria CC is ‘considering its next steps’ after losing its second High Court bid for a judicial review of the decision to create two unitary authorities.
County council raids reserves for final budget
North Yorkshire CC faces having to draw on its cash reserves to meet service demand in its last year before the transition to unitary.
Redcar & Cleveland regeneration projects ‘opportunistic and reactive’
A corporate peer challenge report said it was 'difficult to understand the Redcar and Cleveland story’.
We all need a steady and clear programme for the unitary journey
South Lakeland DC will be abolished and its functions transferred to one of Cumbria's two new unitary authorities. Lawrence Conway says 'great progress can be make when we all put our heads and hearts together'.
Cumbria continues legal battle against reorganisation
The county council is opposed to the Government’s decision to replace the county council and six district councils with two unitaries.
Let’s hear it for our unsung heroes
The people working within local government are very special indeed, according to Rachael Mills. She pays tribute to the way councils plan for the everyday and prepare for the unexpected.
Councils in £1.7m ‘amicable separation’
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council has asked neighbouring Dorset for £1.7m to leave a joint services partnership.
Balancing the books in an uncertain world
The need to take difficult decisions and prudent financial management underpin Buckinghamshire Council’s 2022-23 budget proposals, say Rachael Shimmin and Richard Ambrose.
Government dismisses fears over reorganisation master plan
The Government has dismissed reports of a leaked version of the levelling up White Paper, which revealed plans to scrap two-tier local government in England.
Focusing on the future for counties and unitaries
Chairman of the County Councils' Network Cllr Tim Oliver says he 'could not fail to be quietly impressed about the energy and determination of our member councils to tackle the incoming challenges head-on' at his organisation's annual conference.
Cumbria begins reorganisation legal challenge
Cumbria CC has begun its legal action against local government reorganisation in the county.
EXCLUSIVE: Councils brace themselves for local government exit pay cap
Councils are bracing themselves for the return of exit pay cap proposals as Whitehall officials draw up plans specific to the sector.
Hampshire hamstrung by social care cost pressures
Hampshire CC has revealed social care cost pressures are costing it more than double the value of government grant and the council tax precept.