Martin Ford

Reporter at The MJ

Reporter for @themjcouk formerly Herts Mercury

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Articles

Delivering innovative services and reorganisation

1 month ago | themj.co.uk | Paul Marinko |Heather Jameson |Martin Ford |Joe Lepper

Any discussion around local government reorganisation (LGR) is likely to reveal a mild case of schizophrenia within the sector. Add in a mention of innovation and this psychological split is inevitable. The state councils find themselves in – financially destitute and swamped with demand – has forced local authorities to strain every sinew to find new ways of coping. And many feel there isn't the head space to consider the weighty challenge of reorganisation.
Councils click into the future of planning

1 month ago | themj.co.uk | David Brown |Greg Clark |Paul Marinko |Martin Ford

In town halls across the country, planning officers are racing to update their Local Plans — but this time, the process looks very different. In 2025, with major reforms now law and the pressure to deliver new homes and infrastructure rising, the traditional way of doing things is rapidly giving way to something faster, smarter, and — crucially — more democratic.
Return on investment is the real issue

2 months ago | themj.co.uk | Julie Towers |Barry Quirk CBE |Simon T Kaye |Martin Ford

PAY Return on investment is the real issue If chief executives’ impact in local government is measured using clear metrics then perhaps the TaxPayers’ Alliance would pipe down, says Julie Towers. By Julie Towers | 08 April 2025 SHARE (c) LALAKA / Shutterstock.com. It was good to see leaders defending six figure salaries in local government in the recent article in The MJ; but I was disappointed that it was still even an issue.
Spelthorne faces Government intervention

2 months ago | themj.co.uk | Martin Ford

INTERVENTION Spelthorne faces Government intervention Ministers are minded to appoint commissioners to oversee the running of Spelthorne BC. By Martin Ford | 17 March 2025 SHARE Ministers are minded to appoint commissioners to oversee the running of Spelthorne BC. The proposed intervention is to last five years, ‘reflecting the severity of the challenge at Spelthorne' according to a letter to the council's chief executive Daniel Mouawad.
Capacity warning for strategic authorities

2 months ago | themj.co.uk | Martin Ford

WORKFORCE Capacity warning for strategic authorities Strategic authorities could face capacity issues as demand intensifies for finance and planning skills. By Martin Ford | 12 March 2025 SHARE Strategic authorities could face capacity issues as demand intensifies for finance and planning skills.
Council finance system 'not fit for purpose', MPs told

2 months ago | themj.co.uk | Martin Ford

FINANCE Council finance system 'not fit for purpose', MPs told The system for turning around councils in financial distress is ‘not fit for purpose’ councillors have told MPs. By Martin Ford | 11 March 2025 SHARE The system for turning around councils in financial distress is ‘not fit for purpose' councillors have told MPs. The comments came as the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee questioned whether sector-led improvement was ‘working' during an evidence session this...
Woking recovery hindered by capacity issues

Mar 10, 2025 | localgov.co.uk | Martin Ford

Capacity issues are hindering the financial recovery of Woking BC, commissioners have warned. In their latest report to ministers, published this week, the team charged with overseeing the council's improvement said ‘the pace of change remains an issue' due to ‘considerable capacity challenges'. Visit The MJ (£) to continue reading. The NAO has concluded insufficient action has been taken to address weaknesses in council finances.
County director to join LGA

Mar 7, 2025 | themj.co.uk | Martin Ford

PEOPLE County director to join LGA Andrea Newman to is to join the Local Government Association (LGA) as director of communications and engagement. By Martin Ford | 07 March 2025 SHARE Andrea Newman to is to join the Local Government Association (LGA) as director of communications and engagement. Newman is currently strategic director of communications and engagement at Surrey CC and has previously held roles in Downing Street, the Cabinet Office and Ministry of Defence.
Woking recovery hindered by capacity issues

Mar 7, 2025 | themj.co.uk | Martin Ford

FINANCE Woking recovery hindered by capacity issues Capacity issues are hindering the financial recovery of Woking BC, commissioners have warned. By Martin Ford | 07 March 2025 SHARE Capacity issues are hindering the financial recovery of Woking BC, commissioners have warned.
Borough council appoints interim chief

Mar 6, 2025 | themj.co.uk | Martin Ford

PEOPLE Borough council appoints interim chief Dacorum BC has announced the appointment of Darren Welsh as its interim chief executive. By Martin Ford | 06 March 2025 SHARE Dacorum BC has announced the appointment of Darren Welsh as its interim chief executive. He will take over from Claire Hamilton, who left to take up the role of chief executive at Redbridge LBC.