The MJ

The MJ is the top weekly magazine in the UK aimed at council chief executives and their decision-making teams in local governments and related fields. It provides a behind-the-scenes look at current events and opinions in the constantly evolving and complex realm of local politics. Readers can find the latest news, thoughtful commentary, detailed features, interviews, business insights, and the best job openings in the industry.

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Government to create national housing bank

1 week ago | themj.co.uk | Joe Lepper

HOUSING Government to create national housing bank A national housing bank will be created by the Government to help finance the building of 500,000 homes. By Joe Lepper | 17 June 2025 SHARE A national housing bank will be created by the Government to help finance the building of 500,000 homes. The publicly owned bank is backed by £16bn of public money as part of the Government's housebuilding agenda and aims to leverage £53bn in private investment.
Reorganisation cash will barely touch the sides

2 weeks ago | themj.co.uk | Heather Jameson

REORGANISATION Reorganisation cash will barely touch the sides Heather Jameson says ministers may end up making the final decisions on reorganisation ‘based on competing bids produced by costly consultants – with the Government funding failing to cover those costs’. By Heather Jameson | 12 June 2025 SHARE It's not all about the money, despite what the run up to the Comprehensive Spending Review may have had us all believe.
AI use increases but barriers remain

2 weeks ago | themj.co.uk | Dan Peters |Dawn Faulkner |Adele Taylor |Paul Marinko

Artificial intelligence (AI) use among councils is increasing, but one in 10 are still not using any forms of the technology, a survey has found. The Local Government Association survey found the proportion not using AI had fallen from 19% to 11% in a year. Only half of those not using any AI said they were exploring how it could be deployed. Lack of funding was the biggest barrier to using or increasing use of AI, cited by three in five councils.
Reform of SEND cannot come quickly enough

3 weeks ago | themj.co.uk | Simon Edwards

SEND Reform of SEND cannot come quickly enough With deficits increasing and liabilities for SEND accruing interest on the existing debt, this issue can no longer be ducked, says Simon Edwards.
What to expect from the three types of chief executives

3 weeks ago | themj.co.uk | Blair Mcpherson

LEADERSHIP What to expect from the three types of chief executives Former council director Blair McPherson explains the three types of chief executives – turnaround kings, those who wake sleeping giants, and the over-achievers. By Blair McPherson | 03 June 2025 SHARE Increasingly chief executives (CEs) fall into one of three categories. There are the turnaround kings who rescue failing councils.
The basics matter

3 weeks ago | themj.co.uk | Iain Murray

FINANCE The basics matter Iain Murray says: 'Finalising the accounts, meeting reporting requirements and maintaining a grip on budgets are not just box-ticking exercises – but essential for good governance and underpin resilience.' By Iain Murray | 02 June 2025 SHARE In the build-up to the Spending Review announcement on 11 June, it is only natural we might hold out some hope about what's coming for public services that continue to operate under immense financial pressure.
Saying no to the status quo

3 weeks ago | themj.co.uk | Dan Peters

REORGANISATION Saying no to the status quo Reorganisation proposals for Surrey have sparked divisions, even between councils with the same party colours. Dan Peters talks to the key players and hears that the Treasury could hold all the cards. By Dan Peters | 02 June 2025 SHARE ‘I suppose it's not too different to being told you've got three years left to live,' says one council leader as they ponder local government reorganisation.
Reform and reorganisation

1 month ago | themj.co.uk | Laura Hughes

REORGANISATION Reform and reorganisation Laura Hughes asks what Reform UK’s local elections success will mean for local government reorganisation and how easy it will be for Labour to continue its programme of overhauling local government.
Sector should welcome mayors with open arms

1 month ago | themj.co.uk | Heather Jameson

MAYORS Sector should welcome mayors with open arms Heather Jameson says: 'Much like reorganisation, strategic authorities offer a blank page to re-write the rules. Regardless of their position in the LGA, they are a welcome part of the local government family.' By Heather Jameson | 21 May 2025 SHARE What constitutes the ‘local' part of local government?
What's happening inside the LGPS?

1 month ago | themj.co.uk | Ann McGauran |Ian Greaves |Martin Ford

Taking place on 16-18 June at a brand new, award-winning venue, Wyboston Lakes Resort, Bedfordshire, this year's PLSA Local Authority Conference is the essential event for anyone involved in the local government pension scheme (LGPS). If you've not yet booked your place, here are some of the many things to look forward to. Whatever your role, there is something for everyone in the packed programme, from governance and the triennial valuation to digital administration and pooling.