When think tanks think and when think tanks tank

Onward, FREER, the revitalised CPS. The Tory MPs involved in all these will have to take some risks if they’re to get off the groumd.

Harry Fone: Local councils “cut to the bone?” Not if our Town Hall Rich List is anything to go by.

In the last financial year, there were over 500 council employees earning more than the Prime Minister.

Round-up of reaction to the Spring Statement

How have think-tanks, business organisations and campaign groups responded to the Chancellor’s fiscal and economic news?

Tax reform offers the Government a rare opportunity to make real policy changes

Our mini-series this week revealed points of broad consensus and points of approaching conflict on the centre right in terms of how the tax burden is distributed.

What should Tories tax? 3) Alex Wild: Tax income and consumption, not investment or business

A Council Tax revaluation, and higher bands for higher value properties, would be an acceptable price to pay in return for the abolition of Stamp Duty, too.

Who is to blame for the financial crisis in Northamptonshire?

The County’s seven Conservative MPs are clear that the problems are “self inflicted” due to financial mismanagement. They need to encourage new people to become councillors.

Effective scrutiny in local government means breaking the power of patronage

It is not merely money that is wasted. It is spending which diminishes the amount of scrutiny that might otherwise occur.

Think-tanks react to the Budget. Some praise, more criticism…and a sense that the housing announcements didn’t go nearly far enough

“The government should be completely overhauling current restrictions and liberalising our planning system to free up land for houses to be built.”

Poor value for money of councils’ public health spending exposed

Liverpool City Council has spent an average of £7,222 for each person who lost weight. Kensington and Chelsea has spent £9,957 for each person who drinks less alcohol.

CCHQ looks to bring Elliott inside the tent – but in what capacity?

The Times tips him to be put in charge of reforming the campaign machine, but he’d be perfectly suited to implement ConservativeHome’s proposed outreach programme.

Howard Flight: So who’s to blame for our productivity problems? Step forward, Gordon Brown

Between 1997 and 2005, public sector spending rose from £336 billion to £517 billion a year. But its output has increased little, so its productivity has fallen dramatically.

Freeman’s definitely non-Glastonbury-style Conservative ideas festival

Party Conference is, as he puts it, “increasingly corporate, expensive [and] exclusive”. So here is his first shot at something different.

Judy Terry: Councils should not be playing the property market

There needs to be transparency over the borrowing that is being undertaken.

Conservative councils are still subsidising trade unions with Council Taxpayers money

They should also leave the unions to collect their own subs.

Think tanks’ verdict: A generally grudging welcome to a dull budget for turbulent times.

Bright Blue, the Institute of Economic Affairs, the Resolution Foundation and others give their views.