Government proposals to allow councils to retain local business rates could mean that as much as £3.5bn of local authority-collected cash is retained by the Treasury. Finance chiefs at the LGA now understand that the so-called set aside element of the governments proposals – designed to ensure local government stays within its spending limits – could have grown by some 75% on initial assumptions.
A vast majority of councils in England and Wales are looking at the strategic commissioning approach – its not just outsourcing – but an opportunity to support the third sector and cooperatives.
Consensus is building that Labour needs a policy hook beyond ?too far, too fast.? It is clear what they are against ? be it perceived excessive privatisation of the NHS, swingeing spending cuts across the board, and specific reforms in areas from pensions to planning ? but not yet clear what they…
A new thinktank report has highlighted the potential benefits offered by proposed neighbourhood planning schemes, as long as they are correctly managed. Localis has published analysis of stipulations in the Localism Bill that would allow neighbourhoods to have more of a say about developments in…
David Cameron has said the government will continue to do everything it can to free up business to grow as part of what he described as a ?localist plan? for growth.
I could not choose a ‘best’ example of localism in action from across the UK ? there are so many ? but the London Borough of Barnet’s PledgeBank is as good as any.
In a report published today, Localis argues that neighbourhood plans could deliver a more positive attitude to planning from all involved. It says local authorities must act as honest brokers between developers and residents and provide an overarching strategic vision for growth.
Localis, in partnership with Birmingham City Council and Land Securities, is today launching a major report that concludes that neighbourhood plans can deliver a more positive attitude to planning from all involved, and ultimately help drive national growth, from the bottom up, in the years ahead.
Local government think tank Localis has launched a major report, with cross party support, at the Labour party conference in Liverpool, describing how councils can deliver better public services by shifting towards a more ‘strategic commissioning’ approach.
More than 80% of councils are planning to take on a strategic commissioning role for the delivery of local services, according to Localis.