Braintree District Council has worked with a local community centre to set up a monthly meet-up event as a way of helping displaced Ukrainian families.
Rather than eroding that protection, it should be strengthened. There should be more power to challenge excessive spending.
I believe that empowering councils to play their full part as leaders of place will streamline resources, reduce bureaucracy, boost productivity, and support levelling up.
After it issued an Inclusive Language Guide some may question whether this lobby group represents good value for the £53 million of taxpayer’s money it spends each year.
Red tape should be lifted to allow the Zoom era to continue. It can raise awareness and engagement.
With a new devolution settlement councils can boost economic growth and provide improvements to the services people rely upon every day.
Councils would benefit from clarity on funding in order to provide sanctuary for more of the world’s most vulnerable people.
We must seize the opportunities from Brexit to provide services in a more efficient, flexible, and responsive way
Blaming councils for delays is often unfair. Often the highways authorities delay providing the infrastructure needed.
We could reduce or waive fees for applications that relate to business development. Virtual meetings can reduce delays.
I am grateful to the Government for responding to our financial concerns. It’s meant that help has reached those who need it most.
The funding pressures are genuine. But expecting to be “fully” compensated by central Government is unrealistic.
There was a really good vibe at Party Conference – especially at lots of outstanding fringe events discussing how to give local communities greater powers.
An English Devolution Bill is needed to reignite the process of devolving widespread powers and funding to local areas across the whole country.
When we work with central government, we improve lives and achieve the best results for our communities.