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.

Adam Lent: The Tories have shown that they can take back control. Now is the time to hand it over.

This Government could revolutionise the public sector and allow a very different vision of devolution.

Sam Packer: Less than a third of municipal-owned art is on public display

The average value of collections for each council is around £7 million.

Councils are obstructing “armchair auditors”

Greater transparency is crucial to restoring trust in politics, both locally and nationally.

Izzi Seccombe: A Labour Government would fail to provide the support that councils need

Labour MPs voted against the local government finance settlement. They would also scrap Ofsted, increase taxes, and delay Brexit.

Marc Jones: Safeguarding the British way of life means protecting the countryside

It is rural England that forms the bedrock of Conservatism. But we must not take its support for granted.

Harry Fone: Sheffield City Council employs 24 press officers

Residents want low taxes and regular bin collections, not big PR budgets and regular spin.

James Halden: The Conservatives are delivering for Thurrock

We made savings which allowed us to create news teams. These work with all schools to spread tested practices to support good mental wellbeing.

Gareth Bacon: Mapping the Mayor’s failings

An independent report has found that endless promises in City Hall are not backed up by action. 227 pledges on policing have proved completely meaningless.

Izzi Seccombe: Conservatives should let local communities take back control

An English Devolution Bill is needed to reignite the process of devolving widespread powers and funding to local areas across the whole country.

Gary Porter: Reflections on four years as the voice of local government

When we work with central government, we improve lives and achieve the best results for our communities.

Tony Devenish: Having a Prime Minister who understands how local government works is hugely welcome

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.

Jeremy Hutton: There are 6,047 empty council-owned commercial properties in the UK – what a shocking waste

Providing security, insurance, maintenance and renovation of these vacant properties costs £74 million a year. Many could be converted into housing.

Wigan Council is seeking to be the servant and not the master of its residents

Spending cuts have caused a spirit of innovaton and cultural change in our town halls.

Andrew Kennedy: Unitary authorities can help save taxpayers’ money

Buck-passing between different authorities results in poor outcomes for residents and kickback from voters.