The downward spiral of council finances
The provisional local government finance settlement for the upcoming financial year, with its £64.1 billion funding package, may seem like a step in the right direction.
Councillor Joe Harris
Vulnerable residents deserve better
As ever with previous government announcements, the Autumn Statement from the Chancellor was more about what wasn’t in there as much as what was.
Gearing up for the General Election
Housing and community policing were among the issues discussed at the Lib Dems’ autumn conference.
An agenda we can deliver
Local government has been steadily squeezed by austerity, inflation and centralisation over the years.
Showcasing councils at party conference
As you sit down to read this issue of first, the Liberal Democrats will be gathering for their autumn conference in Bournemouth, with a packed agenda looking at a range of issues with local government at the centre.
Oflog isn’t the answer
It was great to catch up with colleagues and friends from across the local government family at the LGA’s annual conference.
A stronger liberal voice in local government
I am still getting over the Liberal Democrats’ fantastic set of local election results from May.
A fantastic set of results
This May saw a fantastic set of results for the Liberal Democrats.
Bus routes hanging by a thread
Bus operators face a double whammy when the Bus Recovery Grant, used to support certain routes when the pandemic resulted in passenger numbers plunging, finishes, alongside the £2-a-ride deal.
The levelling-up agenda is flawed
It’s very rarely that I find myself agreeing with leading Conservatives, but I couldn’t agree more with West Midlands Mayor Andy Street in calling for the ‘begging bowl’ culture that forces areas to bid against each other for vital government funds to end.