James Maker
James Maker is policy manager at CCN
A fresh vision
A new report from Newton and the County Councils Network presents a vision for what the future of children’s social care could be and defines an optimised model for delivering it, say Luke Tregidgo and James Maker.
Embedding a new approach to devolution is critical to county deals success
A report concludes the White Paper on levelling up must include a devolution framework to build on and embed the Government’s county deals ‘principles,’ says James Maker.
There's a lot to play for when it comes to delivering devolution
While Government has provided a strong steer on the basic principles of county devolution deals, it’s now down to local areas to build on this guidance and bring forward proposals in collaboration with partners, argues James Maker.
A social care model that’s fit for the future
A new report sets out the key ingredients of a better social care system, using a delivery model that is both optimised and local, say James Maker and Daniel Sperrin.
Striking the right balance
The County Councils' Network's journey over the past six years has shown just how crucial striking the right balance is to being an effective special interest group, says James Maker
Reforming two-tier arrangements
Reorganisation has proved controversial in many parts of the country. James Maker suggests pooling new and existing powers at the strategic level could offer a more politically attractive devolution agenda in county areas.
Building the evidence base for a long-term settlement
James Maker says Northamptonshire CC’s mismanagement of austerity should not prevent us talking about the latter more openly.
Reorganisation in counties must be based on evidence
Reorganisation may be part of the future of local government in two–tier counties, but it will only deliver long-term sustainability if it is built around evidence, not short-term fixes, argues James Maker.
Counties can impact the next administration's agenda
There is a growing disquiet as to whether business rate retention offers the solutions to local government's funding needs, argues James Maker as he looks ahead to the Queen's Speech.
Local elections must springboard the sector to the centre of the national debate
Next week's local elections must be used to propel local government to the centre of the General Election debate, writes James Maker.
Gearing up for the rate debate
James Maker outlines the importance of county authorities in achieving a balanced business rate system and looks ahead to the contentious debate about tier-splits.
A new future for reorganisation
Sajid Javid's comments have hinted at how the Government will approach local government reform, says James Maker
Serious questions over Care Act implementation
There has been much discussion on the Care Act’s impact on councils at time when the social care system is under severe financial strain but the County Councils Network has now opened up a new front in this important debate, writes James Maker.
