Sarah Calkin

3 weeks ago | lgcplus.com | Sarah Calkin

To suggest there is significant waste left to cut in local government ignores reality, and the transparency with which councils operate, writes LGC editor Sarah Calkin So Reform UK has now launched its ‘Doge’- style efficiency programme in local government, in line with a commitment made during last month’s local election campaign, Fresh from announcing ambitions to make between £300bn and £400bn of cuts to public services nationally if they win the next general election last week, on Monday...

1 month ago | lgcplus.com | Sarah Calkin

There was a some rare positivity for government policy at the major investment conference in Leeds this week. But you didn't have to look far for alternative views, writes LGC editor Sarah CalkinIf Keir Starmer needed a bit of cheering up this week he could have done worse than get himself along to UKReiif.

1 month ago | lgcplus.com | Sarah Calkin

New spatial development strategies must be considered alongside plans for growth and infrastructure or risk becoming a “bunfight” over housing numbers, a leading combined authority chief executive has said. Under the Planning & Infrastructure Bill currently going through parliament, combined authorities, or county councils in areas without devolution, will be required to produce spatial development strategies for their areas.

1 month ago | lgcplus.com | Sarah Calkin

Sites selected for the government’s new towns programme are likely to be those that are “ready to begin development” and with a "distinct" identity, the chair of the New Towns Taskforce has said. Speaking at the UKReiif conference on Tuesday, Sir Michael Lyons also championed the role of development corporations in delivering new towns and stressed the importance of infrastructure being provided early on in developments.

1 month ago | lgcplus.com | Sarah Calkin

What ministers decide to do about competing reorganisation bids in Surrey will give an indication of where their priorities lie, writes LGC editor Sarah CalkinAmong councils involved in the government’s overhaul of two-tier areas, all eyes are currently on Surrey. The county and its 11 districts are on the fast track of the reorganisation fast track to unlock devolution, having been invited to submit their proposals for local government reorganisation by 9 May.