devolution - first magazine for councillors

As first was going to press, we were awaiting a delayed white paper on devolution. The Government’s intentions may be to decentralise power, but I am concerned that some of its proposals will undermine local democracy, rather than empower it.

Devolve to councils as they are

by Councillor Marianne Overton MBE

We are in tempestuous times, with UK Government announcements expected in a white paper on devolution, local government reform, and the provisional finance settlement – all in the week before Christmas.

Cllr Vikki Slade MP, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Housing, Communities and Local Government, speaking from an LGA podium at annual conference.

Call for ‘real’ devolution

by The Editorial Team

‘Real’ devolution means ensuring local communities that choose not to be served by metro mayors have the same opportunities to thrive, delegates at the LGA’s annual conference were told.

‘Take control of devo agenda’

by The Editorial Team

The LGA’s former Chairman and Conservative Peer Lord Gary Porter enjoyed sharing some ‘good’ gossip at the LGA’s annual conference.

photo of aerial shot looking straight down onto a mixed and partially completed housing development

Planning rules overhaul

by Councillor Linda Taylor

Further measures are needed on affordable housing.

Graphic of traditional scales covered in leaves on grassy foreground with blue skies and low white clouds in background.

Planning for health

by Dr Ed Kirton-Darling

How can we help to bring health into the development decision-making process, without placing yet another burden on already overstretched local government officers?