Tom Bell: We should embrace a “digital-by-default” approach to make council services more efficient

Embracing technology can include smart bins to improve waste collection and electric vehicles to reduce running costs and improve air quality.

Tom Bell: Councils should raise their readiness for cyber attacks

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.

Francis Davis: Why Hinds’ faith schools cap decision was right

Voluntary-aided status works both for Catholic schools and everyone else. Furthermore, lifting the cap from new institutions could have had unexpected consequences.

Roy Perry: In Hampshire we offer a Council Tax amongst the lowest in the country with services amongst the best.

For the future, more unitary authorities could be a good solution to funding pressures – but not if it means subdividing efficiently-run counties.

Chris Whitehouse: The Combined Solent Deal should be buried once and for all

We must find alternative routes to deliver the economic growth that we are all determined to see.

Chris Whitehouse: Say no to the Solent Combined Authority

The devolution deal being foist upon the Isle of Wight and the people of Southampton and Portsmouth is in nobody’s interest.

Royston Smith: British prosperity rests on maritime trade

Our country’s outward-looking, enterprising attitude has always been bound up with the sea, and it continues to carry the vast majority of our exports today.

Jeremy Moulton: The battle for Southampton

We will clean up the city and restore pride.

Iain Dale: Let’s send pro-reform, bone-dry Theresa Villiers to Brussels

Plus: The shuffle I want. Brown flops. Why on earth do Conservative Governments pour millions into Liverpool? And: In memory of Andy Wilson.

How is your council doing? Uses and abuses of performance data

Councils are required to provide a lot of data – some of it is of value.

A lot more allotments with the Conservatives

It’s another Big Society success story

Lewis Baston: How the Boroughs got their shapes

Camden, Haringey, Lambeth, Wandsworth…. At the age of 50, they now seem natural units and alternatives are hard to imagine.

Too many children are still in Children’s Homes

For any child to be kept in a children’s home unnecessarily is a scandal.

The Southampton revolution

One of the most impressive Conservative gains in the local elections last May was in Southampton, where the Conservatives were… Read more »