Seize the moment for a greener future
Sue Riddlestone explains why the time is right to re-shape our communities to go carbon neutral.
Fostering innovation in UK local councils
08/07/2020 Giles K Bailey and Dr Ali Ahmad call on councils to bring the brightest and best minds together in order to develop creative solutions to the challenges they face. |
Sheffield approves new approach to managing street trees
12/03/2020 A new partnership to manage its street trees has been approved by Sheffield City Council, following protests last year about its tree felling programme. |
Council signs agreement with 10 housing associations
27/01/2020 Lambeth Council has signed a joint agreement with all 10 housing associations operating in the borough to transform housing services. |
Partnership working will deliver best outcomes in social care
29/11/2019 Hayden Knight believes that a collaborative approach between providers, local authorities and other agencies offers an opportunity to innovate the way we care for people with dementia. |
Hull aims to be ‘one of smartest cities in the world’ with new partnership
14/10/2019 A new partnership between Hull CC and smart city operator Connexin is set to put Hull among ‘the world leaders in smart city technology’, council says. |
New partnership to help Welsh councils build affordable housing
16/08/2019 The Welsh government has partnered with a membership body for housing professionals in an effort to help councils build more affordable housing in Wales. |
Havant BC calls for better water quality testing
02/08/2019 Havant Borough Council is proposing to form a partnership with other local authorities to lobby for further water quality testing and monitoring. |
Brentwood Council signs £1bn joint venture
02/08/2019 A £1bn joint venture to deliver new homes, public spaces and local facilities has been agreed between Brentwood Borough Council and Morgan Sindall Investments. |
Councils work together to fight fly-tippers
16/07/2019 Cambridge and Peterborough councils are joining forces to crack down on the scourge of fly-tipping. |
Oxfordshire councils to extend joint working arrangements
16/04/2019 Two councils are considering extending their working partnership in a move they hope will trigger a ‘broader conversation’ on local government organisation. |
Somerset council signs six ‘community library partnerships’
08/04/2019 Somerset County Council signed six ‘community library partnerships’ last week in a move that will help maintain library services in the face of cuts. |
UniCORN Framework
26/02/2019 Why BT UniCORN Framework – Join the partnership to cut costs and create opportunities. |
The role of digital leadership
21/02/2019 Phil Baulch of BT looks at some of the key issues discussed at The MJ’s recent Future Forum North event. |
London boroughs announce new joint digital strategy
07/02/2019 Kingston and Sutton councils have announced a new joint digital strategy that will help the boroughs become ‘better connected through technology’. |
Somerset council’s ‘help at home’ scheme saves NHS £2m
17/01/2019 Somerset County Council’s ‘help at home’ scheme has helped patients avoid 7,500 nights in hospital and has saved the NHS at least £2m. |
Report calls for 'reset' of Public Private Partnerships
16/11/2018 A strong leadership role from local government is essential for ensuring the success of regeneration schemes involving the public and private sector, a new report has argued. |
Redefining public-private partnerships
09/11/2018 David Mawson explains how an age-old term could conceal a new solution. |
Taking the conflict out of partnerships
30/10/2018 Andrew Savege calls on councils to rethink what partnership means to get the best from PPP. |
Public-private commissioning: a question of trust
15/10/2018 The recent report by the New Local Government Network found a dwindling appetite for outsourcing at a time when many are rethinking the relationship between the public and private sectors. |
Perfect partners for community growth
26/09/2018 Michelle Ovens explains how partnerships between local government and small businesses can dive more social impact at a low cost. |
East Anglian counties sign business agreement with Dutch officials
17/09/2018 The Dutch province of Drenthe has signed a partnership agreement with Norfolk and Suffolk to strengthen trade relations between the areas. |
A BT first: see Baron Heseltine in action
02/07/2018 A BT first: BT recently co-hosted the inaugural Chamberlain Lecture, featuring a keynote speech by The Rt Hon. the Lord Heseltine CH. |
Barnet to review outsourcing partnership with Capita
29/06/2018 Barnet Council is considering taking seven services back in-house, under a review of its outsourcing partnership with Capita. |
The PPPs that do work
26/06/2018 Bill Hughes explains that with the right relationship and culture, public-private partnerships can deliver even in the most challenging of circumstances. |
Cherwell and Oxfordshire councils agree joint working
05/06/2018 Cherwell District Council and Oxfordshire County Council have agreed to develop joint working arrangements between the two authorities. |
Keeping children out of care
01/05/2018 Five London boroughs are piloting a new payment-by-results model to help keep children out of care. Brigitte Squire explains more about the scheme. |
The end of public-private partnerships?
11/04/2018 Rather than abandoning all public-private partnerships in the wake of Carillion's collapse, Richard Tinham urges councils to explore other partnership models. |
Carillion collapse: What next for public services?
16/01/2018 Jos Creese argues it may be time to reassess the boundaries and expectations for public/private partnerships in the wake of the demise of Carillion. |
Think tank urges every city to set up a local Inclusive Growth Investment Commission
13/12/2017 Cities should establish new bodies to coordinate and finance attempts to extend prosperity more widely, according to a think tank report. |
Birmingham proposes flexible ICT partnership
07/11/2017 A more flexible ICT partnership to save £43m by 2021 has been proposed by Birmingham City Council to replace the current joint venture. |
Policy creating tensions between councils and housing associations warns guide
26/09/2017 Councils and housing associations need to develop a closer working relationship to meet housing need, new research has warned. |
Commissioning for the future
01/09/2017 Chief executive of Barnet LBC, John Hooton, explains why they have chosen the best-placed delivery partner for the job. |
Kent councils pledge commitement to District Deal
16/06/2017 Two councils in Kent have pledged their commitment to formally working together, one year after they first signed the District Deal. |
West Sussex councils sign partnership agreement
21/03/2017 Councils have signed a new partnership agreement designed to deliver thousands of new jobs and homes on the south coast. |
Essex councils agree to explore new shared services
02/03/2017 Two Essex councils have agreed to explore further joint working and shared services. |
Free webinar on how to successfully merge councils
24/02/2017 This is your last chance to sign up to a free webinar exploring how councils can implement successful mergers and partnerships. |
South London councils agree to jointly deliver new work and health programme
20/02/2017 Five councils in London have agreed to work together to commission a new work and health programme. |
Council considers joint venture for environmental services
09/02/2017 A joint venture between Daventry District Council and Norse Commercial Services to deliver waste and recycling services is being considered for next year. |
Free webinar: Critical lessons from merging councils in Australia
01/02/2017 Suffolk Coastal and Waveney District Councils made history this month after becoming the first two districts in more than 40 years to approve a formal merger. |
London council joins Kent's Licensing Partnership
16/11/2016 A London council has joined a Kent-based local authority licensing partnership in a bid to improve service delivery and save thousands of pounds. |
Wolverhampton to set up partnership with Chinese city
29/09/2016 The City of Wolverhampton Council and Anqing in China have agreed to work together to improve education, culture, business and health in both cities. |
Getting the most from joint working
25/08/2016 Harlow DC chief executive Malcolm Morley explains how councils can make joint working more successful. |
Councils urged to strengthen partnerships to protect victims of domestic violence
25/08/2016 Two west London authorities failed to work together effectively to support a woman at risk of domestic violence, the Local Government Ombudsman (LGO) has found. |
Council library staff trained to help people file police reports
24/08/2016 Library staff at Norfolk County Council will be helping people access police services as part of a six month pilot scheme. |
Sheffield signs multi-million deal with Chinese company
21/07/2016 Sheffield has agreed to the biggest Chinese investment deal outside of London in a move which promises the city millions of pounds worth of funding. |
26 Scottish councils join forces on digital transformation
27/05/2016 A consortium of twenty-six local authorities in Scotland are joining forces to improve council services using digital technology. |
Councils to partner with universities to reform services
13/05/2016 Council chiefs are to work closely with universities to help re-design public services in six areas. |
Public-private partnership provides £1bn to build 10,000 properties
03/05/2016 A new partnership has been launched to help the public sector build thousands of new homes. |
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Universities and charities should cooperate more for public benefit, says new study
26/04/2016 Public policy outcomes could be improved if academics and the third sector worked more closely together, argues new report. |
Joint ventures offer ‘great opportunities for savings’, report says
21/04/2016 Local authorities can use joint ventures (JVs) to deliver services effectively, but only if objectives and partnership arrangements are carefully consider, report says. |
Council pension funds get go-ahead to pool assets
11/04/2016 Two local government pension schemes are due to join forces after they got approval to pool their assets by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). |
Launch of Local Digital Coalition
05/04/2016 A new coalition to help councils develop internet-based services has been launched. |
Five councils sign 'ground breaking' outsourcing contracts
10/02/2016 Five councils from different parts of the country have agreed a ‘revolutionary’ procurement deal in a bid to save more than £50m over nine years. |
Bournemouth reveals plan to bring outsourced services back in house
20/01/2016 Bournemouth Council is set to bring a £14m outsourced contract to supply a range of back office functions back in house as it grapples with 'unprecedented financial challenges'. |
Kent councils sign District Deal
04/12/2015 Two councils in Kent have signed an agreement to work together on delivering key strategic projects. |
Council explores new fostering service
06/11/2015 Peterborough City Council has proposed setting up new partnerships to improve services for young people in care. |
Councils and LEPs sign Northern Gateway Partnership
22/10/2015 A landmark partnership to connect the Northern Powerhouse and the Midlands Engine has been agreed by seven local authorities and two Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs). |
Aberdeen names £300m develoment partner
09/10/2015 Aberdeen City Council has awarded a £300m partnership deal to a consortium in order to deliver a step change in the supply of housing. |
Launch of £2m fund to address 'challenges of urban living'
24/09/2015 A new Urban Living Partnership has been launched bringing together researchers, businesses and local authorities to help build successful modern cities. |
Council backs plans for Newcastle-under-Lyme regeneration
24/09/2015 Newcastle Council has given its support to two major regeneration proposals which will help to transform the heart of the town. |
County launches partnership to reduce suicides
08/09/2015 Kent County Council has launched a new campaign to reduce the suicide rate of young men, in partnership with Kent County Football League. |
Inspection reveals rapid progress of Portsmouth YOT
02/09/2015 A failing youth offending service has been praised by inspectors for a swift turnaround in its performance. |
Lincolnshire councils launch 'fraud-fighting force'
19/08/2015 Councils in Lincolnshire have joined forces to crack down on people falsely claiming discounts on their council tax. |
Multi-million pound PPP schools investment launched
18/08/2015 A £187m public-private partnership has been launched to revamp eight schools in the Midlands. |
London boroughs launch partnership to boost capital’s north east
27/07/2015 Six local authorities have joined forces to form a new partnership designed to give north-east London more clout in negotiations over funding and powers. |
21 boroughs agree partnership on children’s social care staffing
10/07/2015 A total of 21 London boroughs have agreed to unite and address issues around recruiting and retaining children’s social work employees. |
County considers back office transformation
03/07/2015 Dorset County Councils is considering a major transformation programme for its back office services as it tries to find a further £45m in savings by 2017/18. |
Partnership unites councils and NHS in North West.
02/07/2015 Councils and the NHS in the North West are to joined forces in an effort to connect health, care and housing for the first time. |
South East councils make devolution bid
12/06/2015 Three councils in the South East have presented the Government with a list of ‘devolution offers’ to help mitigate the pressures of economic growth. |
London borough seeks partnerships to build homes outside capital
10/06/2015 A London borough is planning to partner with other councils and build homes outside the capital, admitting ‘there isn’t enough space’ in its own boundaries. |
Self-exclusion scheme helps 23 gamblers in Medway
04/06/2015 A unique scheme to tackle problem gambling as seen 23 people exclude themselves from all gambling shops in Chatham. |
Council drops joint venture plan
02/06/2015 Middlesbrough Council has dropped plans for a joint venture to deliver key services. |
London council creates ‘tree office’
19/05/2015 A London borough has found an unusual way to tackle London’s work space shortage by starting work on a ‘Tree Office’. |
Council agrees integrated care deal
16/04/2015 Staffordshire County Council has approved plans to extend its partnership with a NHS Trust for three years to deliver integrated health and social care. |
Councils predict 2015 will be a year of transformation
24/03/2015 Council bosses believe that while 2015 will be a year of deeper cuts, it will also mark the start of a step-change in the way they deliver services, according to new research. |
Cambridge debates sharing building control services
08/03/2015 Cambridge City Council is considering sharing its building control service with two other local authorities. |
New ‘groundbreaking’ tri-council partnership for Dorset
20/02/2015 North Dorset District Council has agreed to establish a 'tri-council' partnership with two neighbouring authorities. |
Norfolk given £1m to develop child care project
17/02/2015 Over £1m of government funds has been awarded to a Norfolk County Council project designed to prevent 180 children coming into care every year. |
Maude backs public sector asset management company
17/02/2015 The UK’s first ever single asset management company for the public sector has been set up in the West Midlands. |
Council to explore joint culture and sport trust
16/02/2015 Scottish Borders Council is exploring the creation of a new trust to provide both sport and cultural services. |
Talks begin to protect Birmingham’s library service
07/01/2015 Birmingham City Council has welcomed a proposal for the Library of Birmingham to become a regional centre for the British Library. |
Partnership plan could save three councils £46m
19/12/2014 Plans for collaboration and a new organisation to deliver services could save three districts almost £46m over the next ten years. |
Tri-county council alliance signed
16/12/2014 A tri-county council alliance has been agreed by Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire councils. |
A new voice for local government companies?
15/12/2014 An increasing number of local authorities have set up their own companies to deliver services and protect jobs. Laura Sharman chats with Peter Hawes, managing director at Norse Commercial Services, about why he thinks the time is right for the creation of a National Association of Local Government Companies. |
Council signs new joint-working deal with faith groups
12/12/2014 A council has become the first to sign a new 'Faith Covenant' with local religious groups, forming a contract for future collaboration. |
South London boroughs to collaborate on economic growth
09/12/2014 Five south London boroughs are to form a joint committee to help drive economic growth and lobby the government for the devolution of extra powers and responsibilities. |
Pension funds to pool £10bn assets
02/12/2014 Two Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) funds are to pool their combined assets of over £10bn. |
New Essex partnership to tackle council tax fraud
26/11/2014 A new council collection sharing agreement is been arranged in Essex to help reduce fraud across the county. |
Council first to launch own legal practice
21/11/2014 Buckinghamshire County Council and the Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Fire Authority have launched a new company to provide cost-effective legal services for public and not-for-profit organisations. |
Wigan town centre to be transformed by £60m scheme
12/11/2014 A £60m plan to transform Wigan town centre has been given the go-ahead. |
Great Yarmouth Borough Council agrees £6m joint venture
12/11/2014 Great Yarmouth Borough Council has formed a new joint venture company to manage and maintain its housing stock. |
Sunderland agrees £800m joint venture
11/11/2014 Sunderland City Council has agreed a new joint venture with Carillion, worth up to £800m over 20 years. |
District Council launches economic growth fund
23/10/2014 North Dorset District Council has launched a new Economic Growth Fund to help create commercial opportunities in the district. |
Councils more innovative than at any time since WWII, finds report
17/10/2014 There is now more innovation in local government than any time since the post-war rebuilding of public services, a new report has claimed. |
Report predicts six scenarios for local government in 2020
15/10/2014 Councils that fail to innovate and adapt to the tough funding climate will face a ‘slow and painful demise’ over the next five years, a new report has warned. |
Borough joins services with council owned company
01/10/2014 A West Country borough has decide to join local authority owned company Ubico Ltd, in a move set to save it almost £100,000 a year. |
Newport City Council agrees £73m joint venture
18/09/2014 Newport City Council and Norse have agreed a joint venture worth £73m over a ten-year period. |
Council's hotel deal is first in UK
18/07/2014 Hackney LBC hopes to generate £100,000 in the first year for a new community fund after striking an innovative deal with hotels in the borough. |
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Tour de France Grand Depart: a rallying point for local communities
01/07/2014 Why the race offers an opportunity for authorities to engage with local groups. |
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Finding the lost generation
01/07/2014 This generation of NEETs is by no means los but the time is now to dust off our compasses and guide them to a promising career and secure future. |
This issue of Public Property examines how how flexible workspaces can lead the way in regeneration for local authorities, Why local authority intervention is key to successful urban regeneration schemes and if the Government’s challenge of embracing beauty is an opportunity for communities.
The March issue also takes a closer look at Blackburn with Darwen Council's first digital health hub to help people gain control over health and care services.
