Andrew Laird: An early item for the new Chancellor’s inbox. Community Asset Funds.
The manifesto committed to encouraging local takeovers of civic organisations or community assets under threat – such as local football clubs, pubs or post offices.”
Andrew Laird: Wigan provides a model for radical change to public service delivery
Giving a boost to Family Hubs would show a genuine commitment to bolstering the social fabric which binds local communities together.
Andrew Laird: The Prime Minister’s devolution drive will protect public services from Brexit chaos
We cannot afford to have so much at risk of bandwidth bottlenecks in Westminster and Whitehall. It’s time to kickstart decentralisation.
Andrew Laird: Greater devolution would make for a more smooth-running nation
More powers for Andy Street in the West Midlands should just be the start.
Andrew Laird: Will it be full speed ahead for English devolution?
The Government has heard the message, and is dropping the mayoral requirement for rural counties seeking increased devolved power.
Andrew Laird: A new Conservative Government can show that fairness is the route to productivity
One place where there is unlikely to be any dithering is the West Midlands. The prospect of someone like Andy Street becoming mayor is hugely exciting.
Andrew Laird: In the West Midlands, a public services revolution is brewing
Andy Street is the right candidate in the right place at the right time.
Andrew Laird: Requiring the NHS to balance its books would inspire new, radical ideas
The NHS desperately needs a regulatory environment which will force it to think more entrepreneurially and collaboratively.
Andrew Laird: The Chancellor’s productivity drive must start with public services
We should unleash the inner entrepreneurs among our nurses, social workers and librarians.
Andrew Laird: Will elected Mayors block public service reform in the North West?
Mutuals and social enterprises in Liverpool and Manchester could be under threat.
Andrew Laird: May, mutuals – and a public service market that works for everyone
These organisations have that strong public service ethos – but also employ the entrepreneurialism and commercial discipline of the private sector.
Andrew Laird: We must ensure that Brexit won’t distract from public service reform
The new Prime Minister has acted quickly to ensure that crucial work can proceed.