Martin Ford
Population figures ignored local evidence
A watchdog has found official population growth statistics used to agree housing targets may have been overestimated.
Queen's Speech: Levelling up takes centre stage
The Government’s levelling up agenda was at the forefront of today’s Queen’s Speech, but the role councils will play remains uncertain.
‘Wholesale improvements’ required at Slough
External auditors have issued a scathing report on financial management at Slough BC.
Parishes issue vote of no confidence in Hartlepool
Four parish councils have asked to leave Hartlepool BC following ‘several years of increasing frustration’.
Levelling up needs long-term approach
A shake-up of local government funding is required to achieve a levelling up of the country, a new report has concluded.
Call for tax hike to fund social care
A commission led by The Lancet and London School of Economics has argued for a 1p increase to income tax, National Insurance and VAT to enable annual funding increases of 4%.
South Somerset to review chief executive role
The council has appointed an interim chief executive as the prospect of local government reorganisation looms.
Lambeth to reimburse £27m of water bills
The decision follows years of legal wrangling over charges collected on behalf of Thames Water.
Council chief’s treatment was ‘appalling and inhuman’
The leader of York City Council has survived a no confidence vote following criticism over the departure of its former chief executive.
Call to scrap ‘arbitrary’ New Homes Bonus
A county council has called for the New Homes Bonus to be dropped altogether in a withering response to a government consultation.
EXCLUSIVE: Cross-cutting regions project faces Whitehall downgrade
The scheme was designed to unite Whitehall departments and regions across the country.
Brum moves ahead with restructure
Birmingham City Council has made two more appointments as part of a wider restructure.
Surge in audit fee variation requests
The number of auditors requesting fee increases for their work has surged, the body that oversees the system has said.
South Holland to find strategic partner within the month
The council is looking to form a partnership with another authority within Lincolnshire, having separated from Breckland DC this week.
Parish wins legal challenge against county
Norfolk CC has lost a legal challenge mounted by a parish council after its cabinet acted 'unlawfully' over a planning application.
Tew to take up South Tyneside role
Subject to ratification, Mr Tew will join as chief executive in late summer.
Merton appoints chief executive
Hannah Doody has been director of community and housing at Merton for the past four years and previously held roles at Greenwich and Kingston-Upon-Thames.
Social care ‘unfinished business’ for Tories
Former health secretary Jeremy Hunt has said reform of the adult social care system is regarded as ‘unfinished business’ by the current government.
Lack of ‘clarity’ hampering child protection
Improvements in multi-agency leadership locally and cross-government strategy nationally are required, Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission have told an inquiry.
Prospect raised of financial support for Glasgow
The Scottish First Minister has raised the possibility of further financial support for Glasgow City Council to reopen leisure and cultural facilities.
