Whitehall
Local Government Finance Bill: A big let-down for the sector
With a parliamentary agenda lacking much in terms of legislation for the next two years aside from a series of Bills aimed at delivering a ‘smooth and orderly’ Brexit, Sam Clayden reports on the sector’s reaction to last week's Queen's Speech.
Local government has been left in limbo
A lack of finance reform legislation may give local government the chance to craft a better solution for the future of funding, writes Heather Jameson.
Counting the cost of Grenfell
Government pressed for ‘emergency funds’ as local authorities face mounting costs in aftermath of Grenfell fire.
City deals among promises in DUP-Conservative deal
Fresh devolved powers for Northern Ireland form a key part of today’s £1bn deal between the minority Conservative government and the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).
Council moves to generate income
Test Valley BC expects to rake in £1.3m from a project to generate additional income this financial year.
Austerity must be eased
Heather Jameson says that without the return of business rates or a solution to the social care crisis, the only option must be the easing of austerity.
100% business rates retention legislation dropped
The Local Government Finance Bill has been dropped from the legislative programme, leaving plans for business rates retention in limbo.
We can help you achieve your objectives, Westminster
Jo Miller looks at the current state of the state and argues local government could make best use of the public purse because it understands the unintended consequences of Westminster policies.
Hammond hints at easing of austerity
Chancellor Philip Hammond has hinted he could ease some of the financial pressures on local government brought about by prolonged austerity.
Ministers accused of ducking pollution issue
Council and professional bodies have accused ministers of passing responsibility for tackling illegal levels of air pollution to local authorities without clarity or adequate funding.
Bristol battles to save £5m
Bristol City Council has made a raft of proposals for how to save more than £4.7m.
Lower-tier councils pull out of Sheffield devolution deal
Bassetlaw DC has become the second lower-tier council to back away from participation in the Sheffield city region’s devolution bid.
Council employment lowest in 18 years
Local government employment is at its lowest in 18 years while the number of Whitehall civil servants increases, according to the latest Office for National Statistics figures.
A matter of trust
Steve Crocker and Chris Whitehouse explain how the Isle of Wight, through its partnership with neighbouring Hampshire CC, has delivered dramatic improvements to its formerly failing services for children - without the need for a trust.
An early start is vital
The argument for early intervention sounds straightforward, writes Alison Michalska, but the difficulties lie in evidencing that it is working.
Time for some new school thinking?
At a recent The MJ round table, council chief executives and senior managers met to discuss the role of local government in schools and the changing landscape of the education system. Dan Peters reports.
The big opportunity for local government
The Government is heavily exposed to backbench revolts – not just on Brexit but on public sector funding. Michael Burton reports on last week’s election, which could give local government the best opportunity to press home its case in decades.
Second victims group quits sex abuse inquiry
The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) has been rocked after a second influential victims group with strong links to council children’s homes quit.
Don't forget informal carers
London Councils’ executive member for adult social care, Cllr Ray Puddifoot, on the value of informal carers.
Javid stays on as communities secretary
Sajid Javid has been re-appointed as communities secretary by prime minister Theresa May.