Monthly Archives: June 2011

Yesterday at the LGA Conference Nick Clegg, the Deputy Prime Minister, made one of the most important announcements for local government that has been made in the last 20 years. He announced the return of the business rate to local … Continue reading →

The Localism Bill has some weaknesses but many strengths. The bit that I am most passionately in favour of is the section that relates to planning. I am aware that this simple statement might put me on the other side … Continue reading →

I woke up this morning to be regaled by the Tories latest bonkers idea on mayors. I say Tory because although this is in the coalition agreement it did not come from the Lib Dem side any more than the … Continue reading →

My Mum, Laura Kemp, died yesterday. She was 90 and had been in reasonable health for 89.5 of those years but went downhill fairly rapidly after breaking a wrist last November. Before my sister, Ann, left the hospital the staff … Continue reading →

Earlier today I recorded a piece for a black media company about my impression of the ‘riots’ 30 years on. Firstly I corrected them. In my view they weren’t riots and they especially were not race riots. They were serious … Continue reading →

I suspect that my opinions on the NHS differ from most other people in the Country. I don’t believe that we have a very good National Health Service but I do believe we have a world beating National Illness Service. … Continue reading →

Well this really counts as one of the ‘headlines I never thought I would write’. It really ranks alongside, ‘Why I’m backing Eric Pickles for PM!’ But every once in a blue moon a report comes from a source, no … Continue reading →

CCLA announces the launch of The Public Sector Deposit Fund New AAA rated fund for public sector cash   CCLA, the specialist fund manager for charities and local authorities, announcet that on Wednesday 25 May the Public Sector Deposit Fund … Continue reading →