Planning reforms – the good, the bad and the ugly
I had got my hopes up that we had moved away from government diktats and demonising of councils, but the language being used around the Government’s proposed planning reforms is just that.
Councillor Joe Harris
Ensuring no child goes hungry
Central and local government need to work together to build a healthier and fairer society.
Unitary debates and social care commissions
It will be another busy year for local government in 2025.
Don’t lose the ‘local’ in local government
As first was going to press, we were awaiting a delayed white paper on devolution. The Government’s intentions may be to decentralise power, but I am concerned that some of its proposals will undermine local democracy, rather than empower it.
Local government ‘remains on life support’
The first Labour Government Budget since 2009 has met with a mixed response among Liberal Democrats in local authorities.
Committed to serving our communities
As I reminded my party’s conference in September, there were local elections this May – as well as the amazing general election results, where a record 72 Lib Dem MPs were returned.
The true party of local government
As this first hits your doormats, Liberal Democrats will be making their annual pilgrimage to the south coast for five days of policy and politics.
Largest number of MPs ever
The general election was historic: it created an earthquake across every region of the country, with the Liberal Democrats making gains from Yorkshire to Dorset, Norfolk to Wales, Inverness to Sussex.
Impressive gains in local elections
In many places, we’re now calling the shots, thanks to yet another round of impressive gains.
End postcode lottery of SEND support
I am delighted my party has called for a new national agency for special educational needs and disabilities.