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NEW LOCAL

Unitary campaign gathers pace

The founder chairman of the New Local Government Network (NLGN) spoke at the annual meeting on 13 April of the Uniting the Conurbation campaign to create a unitary authority for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

The founder chairman of the New Local Government Network (NLGN) spoke at the annual meeting on 13 April of the Uniting the Conurbation campaign to create a unitary authority for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

Professor Gerry Stoker, who is now at the University of Southampton, talked about the future of local government in England.

Campaign chair and former Bournemouth BC leader, Douglas Eyre, said: ‘What we really want to do is promote the discussion.'

NEW LOCAL

Membership manoeuvres

By Paul Marinko | 11 March 2026

How are the groups representing councils positioning themselves to secure members as the pace of reorganisation increases? Paul Marinko reports.

NEW LOCAL

Local government finance settlement leaves sector divided

By Martin Ford | 17 February 2026

The most controversial local government finance settlement for years has divided the sector. Martin Ford looks at the fallout.

NEW LOCAL

The centre must tackle the challenges still faced by counties and unitaries

By Cllr Matthew Hicks | 12 February 2026

The Government’s decision to pay the bulk of SEND deficits is a relief, but sensible decisions on reorganisation are crucial to delivering substantial saving...

NEW LOCAL

Political convenience is no justification for unconstitutional local election tinkering

By Colin Copus | 02 February 2026

The Government’s decision to ‘postpone or cancel’ local elections is ‘a travesty of constitutional propriety’ say emeritus professors Steve Leach and Colin C...