When I was asked to chair the North Yorkshire Rural Commission – the first of its kind in the country – myself and my fellow commissioners were only too familiar with the long-standing challenges facing rural communities, especially those across the sparsely-populated expanse of our county.
North Yorkshire is preparing to become a single unitary council for the future delivery of local public services, following the recent decision by Secretary of State Robert Jenrick MP.
York has become the first city in the UK to sign up to the Good Business Charter – a pioneering initiative that puts fairness, representation, diversity and a shared commitment to our environmental responsibilities at the heart of our economic strategy.
Boston Borough, East Lindsey and South Holland District Councils have formally signed off on plans to create an ambitious new partnership – the largest such partnership of councils in the country.
Last month, the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change issued a stark reminder of the impact of climate change.
I hope that first readers were able to enjoy a well-earned break from council duties over the summer and spend some time with friends and family.
Like everyone, I have been horrified at the scenes from Afghanistan in recent weeks and months.
Passing a motion and declaring a climate emergency is one thing; doing something practical that makes a difference to the communities we serve is something else.
It has been a summer break we needed, but in the shadow of dreadful disasters in Haiti and Greece, and terror and sadness in Afghanistan.
The Building Safety Bill and the Health and Care Bill will be two of the LGA’s legislative priorities in the autumn, when Parliament returns from recess in early September.