Investing in culture
Following last month’s reshuffle, I would like to congratulate Rachel Maclean on her appointment as Housing Minister.
group leaders
Take back control of council funding
There has been a lot of focus recently on oversight of councils, in light of serious financial failings at some councils, including Thurrock, Croydon, and Northamptonshire – all of which resulted in formal intervention from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC).
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.
Identifying tensions in planning policies
The proposals to change our planning rules have been described by some as a dramatic return to ‘old school’ planning, with stronger control from central government.
In solidarity with Ukraine
On 24 February, it will be the first anniversary of the seminal event of the past 12 months – President Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.
Time to transfer power out of Whitehall
After being delayed by months of Tory chaos, the second phase of levelling up funding has finally been announced.
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.
A growing Independent voice
The movement towards Independent and smaller parties is rising to take on the huge challenge of recovering confidence and trust in democracy.
A positive finance settlement
I would like to take this opportunity to wish all first readers a belated happy new year, and I hope that you had an enjoyable and restful festive break.
The right powers to the right places
Everyone in local government knows people are hungry for more power over their own lives and more control over the places they live.