The new ‘Minister for Intergovernmental Relations’ points one way, Boris Johnson’s flagship constitutional legislation the other.
The Faith New Deal Pilot Fund will encourage innovative partnership to thrive. We will achieve more through our common endeavours.
It is nonsense to suggest that ‘levelling up’ demands misdirecting building targets to places where housing is already affordable.
The rate of successful appeals is apparently running higher even than it did during the 1980s.
Like Ridley in the 1980s, the Secretary of State can brute-force his way past the NIMBY’s blocking tactics by granting appeals.
We must continue to devolve power to council taxpayers themselves – building on the legacy of the abolition of the Audit Commission.
Most said they had enough money. There was praise for Local Government Ministers – but exasperation with the Government overall.
We should be asking ourselves what we want from local government in the future, particularly in light of the Covid-19 crisis.
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.
With Council Tax continuing to rise, these companies should be required to provide detailed Annual Reports, which identify directors and any payments they receive.
Business Rates and the planning system contribute to the problem of boarded-up shops in so many of our towns.
When we work with central government, we improve lives and achieve the best results for our communities.
Listen to Johnson for any length of time and it becomes clear that his time as Mayor of London has had a profound impact on his politics.
The levelling up agenda depends upon nation-wide digital inclusivity. If we give up on this, we will be trying to deliver it with one hand held behind our back.