Peter Golds: Malice in Blunderland – Tower Hamlets has another election

The Labour council have spent £29 million on “Liveable Streets”. Refuse vehicles cannot enter many streets, resulting in rubbish left on pavements.

Duncan McGinty: The people of Somerset want two unitary authorities for the county

A broad base of support is the best foundation for success. That means councils for the east and west of the county, reflecting local needs.

Liam Walker: This pandemic has shown remote council meetings can work and they should continue

Red tape should be lifted to allow the Zoom era to continue. It can raise awareness and engagement.

Emily Carter: The Metro Mayoralties are a man’s world. That should change.

We need the flexibility and support, now common practice in the private sector, for more woman to come forward.

George Pender: Council meetings should be in person

The level of influence that a backbench councillor is able to exert over policy when meetings are online, is much diminished.

Simon Cooke: Local authorities must offer high pay to recruit chief executives who are up to the job

Councils with poor management and leadership need to recruit the best people to senior roles to sort out their failings.

The key contests that will show if the Red Wall has been truly demolished

The fourth in a series of pieces on ConHome this week, looking forward to the elections this spring.

Previous success makes the county council elections challenging for the Conservatives

The third in a series of pieces on ConHome this week, looking forward to the elections this spring.

The Lib Dem local election effort will focus on the districts

The second in a series of pieces on ConHome this week’s looking forward to the elections this spring.

Commissioners are to be sent in to run Liverpool: Where are the Labour protests?

Imagine if the Thatcher Government had sought to run the City from Whitehall. The self-defeating militancy seems to have been discarded.

Marcus Fysh: The challenge of coronavirus shows the need for streamlined decision-making in Somerset

A single unitary authority in our county, is needed, as soon as possible, to help our communities to recover.

Harry Fone: Holding council meetings online can save millions in travel expenses

Plus: Why is Sandwell Council spending £10,000 for a lighting company to project messages onto buildings?

Tom Davies and Geoff Fazackarley: Why the Conservative Councillors Association needs new leadership

We want it to have a higher profile, communicate more with members, and provide better practical assistance.

Meghan Gallacher: Scottish Conservatives want to give planning decisions back to local communities

There has been a power grab by the Scottish Government. Decisions made by councillors have been overturned.

Tim Briggs: Labour is losing working-class support in London

Lambeth is the perfect storm of poor housing management, road closures, identity politics and a failed Mayor.