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.
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Holding each other to account
Elected from within their local communities, and tasked with making decisions that affect the whole community, it is right that councillors are held accountable for their conduct and integrity while fulfilling their role.
Localising employment support
Transforming job centres from the country’s ‘most unloved public service’ into places where people can receive quality career support is a key ambition for me.
Buying into procurement reform
The Procurement Act 2023 will go live on 24 February. Now is the time for councils and their elected members to understand what the act means for them.
Why protecting access to cash matters
In today’s digital age, it’s easy to assume that cash is becoming obsolete. But around five million people in the UK are still reliant on cash. Many others use digital payments, but continue to depend on cash for certain purchases.
Support for affordable housing clearing service
Nearly 250 local authorities and registered providers have signed up to the Section 106 Affordable Housing Clearing Service since we launched it in late 2024, with the help of sector partners. They join 80 housebuilders, and counting.
Collaborating with our peers
I joined Tamworth Borough Council as Chief Executive just 10 months ago, in April 2024. At first, I was very much in fact-finding mode; I saw fantastic things, but also things we could do better.
Climate change and flood risk
Understanding flood and coastal erosion risk is vital to ensuring that policymakers, practitioners and communities are ready to adapt to a changing climate.
Drip-feed funding ‘weakening’ services
While February’s final local government finance settlement confirmed a 6.8 per cent cash increase and extra money towards increased employer National Insurance contributions, councils’ finances remain extremely challenging.
Working together locally and nationally
For the first time in 15 years, Labour councillors from around the country came together at the Labour Local Government Conference under a Labour Government.