Preparing for the future
It is a great honour to be the new Chairman of the LGA, and I enjoyed meeting many of you at our annual conference in Bournemouth in early July.
Councillor James Jamieson
Political agenda cost local seats
We have lost many good councillors in what was a disappointing election, where the major issue was Brexit and the impasse in Parliament.
Time to reform council funding
There is no doubt that the Government’s consultations on business rates retention and fair funding, alongside the impending Spending Review, present much-needed opportunities to review and reform local government funding.
The bureaucracy around mental capacity
As a councillor, it is frustrating to see situations where bureaucracy or perverse financial incentives get in the way of doing the right thing.
Positive announcements in funding deal
“I am delighted that the Government decided not to increase the New Homes Bonus threshold as this is a significant funding source”
Positive measures in the Budget
One of my main priorities when I became the LGA Conservative Group Leader was to work with the Government and colleagues to address the funding pressures that we all face.
Scrapping the cap
“The housing borrowing cap has hampered councils’ ability to play a leading role in tackling the housing shortage”
Funding messages for party conference
“Conservative councils consistently deliver excellent services in challenging financial circumstances”