Analysis The MJ
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Where are your services on the Smart City journey?
March 31, 2020
With technology moving into the next era of 5G and AI, The MJ and BT recently conducted a survey into the extent that local authorities are using shared services to develop their Smart Cities and Places. Michael Burton reports.
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Pulling together to help those in need
March 26, 2020
Jacqui Gedman tells Dan Peters that Kirkless MBC is up to the challenge of COVID-19, but it is ‘much bigger than the council – it’s a real community effort’.
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How critical is the census?
March 26, 2020
With the next census due to take place next year, just how crucial is it to local authorities’ abilities to plan services? Chris Mahony examines the issues.
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Winners and losers under a reformed council tax
March 19, 2020
A new study from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) says revaluation of the £31bn council tax system is long overdue and proposes ways it can be reformed, as Michael Burton reports.
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Finding our levels
March 19, 2020
While austerity could be over 'as a process and a direction', the spending spree may not be quite as generous as it first appears – and there will be more devolution deals to come. Heather Jameson digests the Budget with sector experts.
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Local government needs to ‘hold the ring’ on pooled public services’ budgets
March 18, 2020
Shadow minister for local government Jim McMahon tells Heather Jameson it was irresponsible that the Budget did not mention adult social care – and he says we need an ‘honest assessment’ of councils’ and public services’ funding needs.
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A tough balancing act for councils
March 13, 2020
Managing and mitigating the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak on local communities poses a huge challenge for councils, but it’s one they’ve been planning for. Naomi Larsson reports.
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Balancing budgets and Beatles
March 13, 2020
It has been a tumultuous few years for Liverpool City Council. Chief executive Tony Reeves and the new management team are focused on inclusive growth in a city that is rich with culture. Heather Jameson reports.
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‘Just be kind’
March 10, 2020
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.
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‘A roadmap towards a good society’
March 4, 2020
Sir Michael Marmot’s damning report on health inequalities found that, while there has been limited action by Government, many local authorities have taken forward the recommendations outlined in his 2010 review. Ann McGauran reports.
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A DIY guide to local inclusive growth
February 26, 2020
A new report presents a practical framework for cultivating local inclusive growth – featuring a host of case studies. But does it say enough about how the decisions that drive growth are made? Ann McGauran reports.
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Some local lessons from the Far East
February 26, 2020
Heather Jameson finds that while local government officers in Japan are grappling with similar challenges to those in the UK, there is one stark difference – Japanese authorities have the power to make their own laws and raise their own taxes.
