Battle for the top job
August 7, 2020
As the Liberal Democrats vote for their next leader, in this exclusive interview, Heather Jameson spoke to the two leadership candidates about what local government means to them
Analysis
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Rebuilding Redbridge
July 28, 2020
Redbridge LBC is one of the areas likely to be hit with the double whammy of a high impact from COVID-19 and low resilience, says a report from the Social Market Foundation. Heather Jameson reports.
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What’s the recovery position?
July 27, 2020
The chancellor has opened the door to a less generous funding settlement for public services, but will he end up turning his back on a slash-and-burn approach? Martin Ford reports.
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Closing the gap
July 21, 2020
Jenny Coles, president of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services, gives Ann McGauran a realistic picture of how local government will need to work to overcome the challenges faced by many children and families post-COVID.
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It takes two
July 20, 2020
A £3bn winter funding boost for the NHS has highlighted a lack of focus on an adult social care sector that's been under pressure long before the COVID pandemic. Ann McGauran looks at the growing need for a joined up approach.
You may have missed
‘Just be kind’
While local government has been distracted by austerity, what has happened to diversity? The MJ, Penna and North West Employers asked HR professionals where they were on equality. Heather Jameson reports.
Retro-fitting councils around the 21st century
The MJ and BT recently conducted a survey of local authority directors to find out how they believe 5G will affect their organisations. The conclusions formed part of the discussion at a roundtable debate. Martin Ford reports.
Moving up to the next level
Earlier this year, Suffolk CC’s peer challenge report said the time was right to drive leadership further, and ‘be bolder’. So how are leader Matthew Hicks and chief executive Nicola Beach faring? Ann McGauran reports
Breaking down the barriers between councils and the NHS
How are HR heads overcoming the barriers to closer working between councils and the NHS? Michael Burton put questions to London borough HR leads at a recent monthly meeting.
York’s rural champions
North Yorkshire CC has launched an independent rural commission, believed to be the first of its kind, to give a fresh perspective on the challenges faced by its deeply rural communities. Heather Jameson takes a look.
Councils ‘set up to fail’ on SEND
A committee of MPs has acknowledged the Government’s proposal for a significant increase in high needs block funding next year - but say it will make little difference without ‘a systemic cultural shift’. Ann McGauran reports.
From the archive
The government sets out plans for councils to retain business rate income
The latest consultation report from the resource review proposes to let councils retain some of their business rate. Michael Burton reports.
Partnership is the future says the architect of the tri-boroughs
After 13 years at the helm of Kensington and Chelsea, Sir Merrick Cockell, has announced his plans to step down. He spoke to Heather Jameson about his time as leader of the LGA.
Keeping up the local approach
Kris Hopkins’ new role will see him tackle issues close to the taxpayers’ hearts as well as humanitarian matters as he assumes the position of parliamentary under secretary of state for local government. Heather Jameson reports
