Supporting our local communities
As I write this article, the Prime Minister has just made history… but for all the wrong reasons.
Councillor Nick Forbes CBE
Sowing the seeds of the cost-of-living crisis
It can’t be easy being the Chancellor when the Office for Budget Responsibility states that British households are about to suffer “the biggest fall in living standards since records began”.
Helping families with soaring living costs
In April, most families will be facing a perfect storm of soaring energy prices, rising inflation, and the extra burden of Conservative hikes to both National Insurance and council tax. Many will struggle to pay the bills – and Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s thin package of support simply does not go far enough for most.
It’s time to trust local government with more powers
One of the cornerstones of democracy is that the public can trust those that they have elected to govern, whether at a national or local level, and that those who make the rules will follow them.
Time to fund councils properly
As we begin a new year, it’s natural to think about new beginnings. Could 2022 be the year that the Government stops dithering and finally gets a grip on council funding?
Councils are leading the fight on climate change
As COP26 negotiations in Glasgow ended, some promising commitments were made to tackle the climate emergency – so why is our government already going backwards?
Council tax squeeze on poorest families
With the Budget looming, all evidence points towards Chancellor Rishi Sunak reaching for his council tax sticking plaster again.
Listening to local government
Social care will be a top concern of councillors at Labour’s party conference.
Lack of clarity on tier system
Many in local government welcomed the announcement of the new tier system a few weeks ago, hoping that it would bring simplicity and clarity to councils, residents and businesses subject to restrictions.
Climate change demands action now
The United States has come under new management at a crucial time in world history – what could be the turning point in the fight against climate change.