It’s breathtakingly cheeky of the Communities Secretary to describe local authorities as ‘undemocratic’ where they raise tax levels by just under the 2% threshold. Councils are political bodies, elected by their citizens, and have a mandate to act Read more
Councils could have a key role in encouraging communities to take on increased responsibility for providing local services. There may be risks attached, but it could unlock many creative and effective ideas Read more
With the Localism Act approaching its first anniversary there are already signs that grassroots enthusiasm for localism is waning. The government has over-estimated communities’ ability to take charge of the localism agenda Read more
Too many local authorities are subjecting the voluntary and community sector to a crude ‘contract culture’, instead of fostering essential local support organisations 
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This week’s Local Government Association conference needs to think positively about how to confront the challenges that local authorities face in these challenging times Read more
The government’s focus on reviving right to buy, and insisting on market rents for replacement social housing, undermines the aim of creating mixed communities Read more
There is an undoubted need to update and refresh our approaches to town centre development. If TV celebrities can help make this a reality, so much the better
The Home Office’s permanent secretary uses an inappropriate metaphor when she compares localism to a toddler learning to ride a bike Read more
Many accountants want to get out from behind their spreadsheets and add more value. A good way to do this is through the use of business partners in the finance function Read more
Council cutbacks are affecting voluntary and community groups disproportionately. This is unfortunate and self-defeating for a government seeking to develop localism and create a Big Society Read more
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