
Izzi Seccombe: Councils need simple and efficient public procurement to ensure the best value for public money
We must seize the opportunities from Brexit to provide services in a more efficient, flexible, and responsive way
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.
The Government has committed to building 300,000 new homes by the mid-2020s. But we need to deliver this with public consent.
It contained a number of positive announcements. The New Homes Bonus is particularly significant for shire districts.
More than one in four councils was subject to a serious security breach in the last five years. Given the sensitive nature of the information held, security needs to be improved.
Too often local government lacks proper scrutiny. There is a closed-mindedness that ignores warnings and fails to consider long-term consequences.
Digital is changing the way we live our lives. Councils can’t keep up unless the younger generation are part of the decision making process.
Demands for billions of pounds for extra adult social care spending lack credibility given the continued profligate spending in our town halls.
On Brexit, housing and social care there is constructive dialogue and partnership with Ministers. It is delivering results.