An end in sight to Omicron
I am writing this comment piece in the week that the Government has announced the ending of all restrictions that were introduced to combat the Omicron variant of the coronavirus.
group leaders
It’s time to trust local government with more powers
One of the cornerstones of democracy is that the public can trust those that they have elected to govern, whether at a national or local level, and that those who make the rules will follow them.
A celebration of council housing
While out canvassing for a local by-election in my patch, I stumbled across the first council housing that was built in Gloucestershire, in the village of Mickleton.
Gearing up for the May elections
While we are still waiting for announcements on contentious levelling up and planning changes, Covid restrictions have been lifted.
The big issues that will shape our communities
I hope that all first readers were able to take some time off over the Christmas period, and I would like to wish you a happy new year and all the best for 2022.
Time to fund councils properly
As we begin a new year, it’s natural to think about new beginnings. Could 2022 be the year that the Government stops dithering and finally gets a grip on council funding?
Victory for forgotten rural communities
I sit here writing this column still buzzing from our stunning victory in the North Shropshire by-election. Helen Morgan will make a fantastic MP, and a great voice for ignored rural communities.
A trusted pillar of democracy
We enter 2022 with everything to play for.
Councils are leading the fight on climate change
As COP26 negotiations in Glasgow ended, some promising commitments were made to tackle the climate emergency – so why is our government already going backwards?
Local government’s climate role recognised
Last month, I was privileged to be part of the LGA delegation to COP26, the UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, alongside our Chairman, Cllr James Jamieson, Cllr David Renard, Chairman of the LGA’s Environment, Economy, Housing and Transport Board, and colleagues from the other political groups.