Steve Leach
Bigger may not be better
In their new book Steve Leach and Colin Copus conclude there is no consistent or conclusive evidence that increases in council size improve performance.
Preparing reorganisation is a pointless distraction
Only Somerset, North Yorkshire and Cumbria have been asked to submit unitary proposals. Steve Leach and Colin Copus say local authorities should reflect ‘real places, not artificial constructs, with which people have no affinity’.
Six lessons for devolution from COVID-19
A localised and nimble response to the coronavirus outbreak is important, say Colin Copus and Steve Leach, who highlight six broad lessons to inform devolution.
Putting the Power into the Northern Powerhouse
The Queen’s Speech pledged a White Paper to unleash regional potential. But Colin Copus and Steve Leach say the ‘democratic shortcomings’ of the Northern Powerhouse will worsen if the call for more radical devolution to the North is answered.
Let’s talk about tax
Colin Copus and Steve Leach ask how we should approach the problem of how to finance English local government and examine how comparable nations use their local taxation powers
The dead hand of centralism
Central Government must give up its ‘iron grip’ on local government finances and free councils up to make genuine local choices, say Steve Leach and Colin Copus.