Viva la revolution: Cities ready to break Whitehall’s shackles
Local authorities could be on the brink of a revolution freeing them from subservience to Whitehall, the leader of Manchester city council Sir Richard Leese has claimed.
Labour implodes in Bristol over mayor cabinet row
Labour faces a period of bitter infighting in Bristol, after an intervention from party HQ prompted the resignation of its leader in the city.
Comment: Bristol’s alternative world view could reap rewards
An elected mayor, from whatever party or none, can open countless opportunities for Bristol.
Austerity will ‘make history’ of popular services
Action must be taken now to ensure austerity cuts do not cause local services to disappear, according to a report out today.
Are coalitions declining in local government?
We might be getting accustomed to coalition politics in Westminster, but in local government the art of two-party government is suffering a few setbacks at the moment.
Comment: The case for more elected mayors
This is potentially one of the most significant changes to England’s political landscape in many years.
Comment: We can learn from the mayors we have
The government should acknowledge and utilise the experience of the existing mayors as they will have valuable lessons to share.
Council tax will rise for 40% of households
Almost half of English households will see their council tax rise, despite increased government incentives to freeze rates.
Analysis: The council prayers debate
The ruling over prayers at Bideford town council brings no clarity to the issue of whether we live in a secular society or not.
Devon council prayers ‘unlawful’
Bideford town council acted illegally by conducting prayers before meetings, the high court has ruled.
