Nick Appleyard
Councils urged to lessen controls on social media
A new report says council press offices need to relinquish control of social media for effective interaction between town halls and residents.
New chiefs confirmed for Exeter and Dacorum
Exeter City Council and Dacorum BC have hired new chief executives this week, and Cumbria CC an acting chief executive.
Shires 'key to growth'
Ministers urged to consider setting up a wave of 'county deals' to enable local authorities to maximise on economic growth.
Cumbria CC to be led by Labour and Lib Dem groups
Cumbria CC Labour and Liberal Democrat groups strike deal to form coalition to run the county.
Cuts in spending blamed for Blackpool care privatisation
Plans to privatise adult social care in Blackpool have been blamed on the Government's spending cuts.
Council chiefs deny 'code of conduct' will slash red tape
Eric Pickles' war against town hall 'pravdas'has been branded unfounded by council chiefs.
Council chiefs lash out at 'flawed' publicity code consultation
Council leaders express concern over proposals to make the Publicity Code law under the Local Audit Bill.
Broxbourne chief on 'special leave'
Chief executive of Broxbourne DC, Mike Walker, given 'special leave' amid choice on whether to axe role or merge with other position.
A bold vision for 'Yorkies'
The City of York Council has outlined a modern transport vision to meet the needs of the city says Nick Appleyard.
Autumn statement: Osborne's infrastructure boost
The chancellor, George Osborne, has indicated a shift towards greater capital investment in transport infrastructure.
'Long-term damage risk' to UK network
The Government’s decision to reduce funding for highways maintenance will cut the quality of local roads and risks ramping up long-term costs for councils, the NAO has warned.
MPs urge more collaboration to improve buses
The Government has been urged to show more leadership to help raise the standard of bus services in the UK.
Local major transport scheme devolution moves forward with LTBs
Ministers finally confirm plans to devolve local major transport schemes.
On the cold front
Nick Appleyard considers how well highways departments are prepared for the approaching winter.
Olympics boost for local sport
Council chiefs have reported a surge of interest in local sports facilities following Britain's success at the 2012 Olympic Games.
Call to make funding for growth 'simpler'
Senior officials warned this week, the Government policies towards funiding growth must be strenghtend and intesified.
MPs call on Government to put nature at heart of the economy
A cross-party group of MPs have said the Government must provide fresh guidance to local authorities explaining how planning reforms can be used to protect wildlife and ecosystems.
Ministers get behind plan to expand HMEP
Ministers are considering expanding a successful scheme to bring together roads infrastructure providers.
The road to nowhere
Bleak warning over shortfall in council's local roads budget threatens growth agenda - and new political row over potholes.
Reforms roadmap unveiled by DfT
The Government has unveiled its proposals for a major reform of the strategic road network.
