The pastoral pandemic
The response to coronavirus needs to consider the different issues facing rural areas – from poorer digital connectivity to a higher proportion of ‘vulnerable’ residents.
Delivering district distinction
The District Councils’ Network (DCN) Conference in Kenilworth was the biggest, most important such gathering in the local government calendar – the first since the General Election.
Community spirit, cooperative solutions
The cooperative councils’ approach of co-designing services with those who are going to use them offers a model both for responding to the pandemic and recovering from it
Councillors supporting our communities
As we respond to the pandemic facing our country, councillors are doing a great deal to support our communities.
Delivering what our residents need
Local leadership is never more important than in a wartime theatre, as we feel we are in now.
Commercial investments ‘to generate income’
Some local authorities in England have invested an estimated £6.6 billion in buying commercial property over the past three years, mostly with the aim of generating a financial return, according to the National Audit Office.
Collaborative working has paid off
At the time of writing, we are entering the fifth week of the coronavirus lockdown, with the Government having just extended it for at least three more weeks.
Collaborative working key to COVID-19 crisis
I am sure that first readers will join me in saying a big ‘thank you’ to our amazing local government teams, social workers, public health and NHS staff, who are working so hard to treat those suffering from coronavirus.
Hold government to account on support
Keir Starmer’s election as Leader of the Labour Party has already seen a refreshing change in Labour in local government’s relationship with the party leadership.
Keeping it local
One of my priorities as Leader of Kirklees Council is to help create the conditions for a more inclusive local economy.