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Awaab’s Law in Practice: The Cost, Capacity, and Compliance Challenge for Councils
Awaab’s Law sets strict housing safety standards, but UK councils face major challenges in implementation. This article explores the cost implications, staffing and contractor shortages, and rising demand for temporary accommodation. Featuring real council case studies, it highlights the urgent need for strategic investment and collaboration to meet legal obligations and protect tenants.
1 day ago6 min read


The Local Government Bathtub: Don’t Change Its Shape Fix the Four Holes Letting All the Water Out
Local government reorganisation isn’t the wrong idea it’s happening in the wrong order. Councils face financial collapse due to four broken systems: children’s social care, SEND, temporary accommodation, and adult social care. This blog argues that structural reform must follow service reform, not precede it. Fix the leaks before reshaping the bath. Discover why sustainability depends on repairing what’s draining local government dry.
3 days ago11 min read


So You Want to Be a Director of Housing? Here’s What You Need to Know
The Director of Housing is one of the most influential roles in local government combining strategic leadership, technical compliance, and community impact. Success means mastering financial oversight, political navigation, and resident engagement, while avoiding pitfalls like rushed change and micromanagement. It’s not just about managing homes it’s about shaping lives with empathy, integrity, and purpose. Lead with confidence, grounded in truth and fairness.
Oct 1110 min read


Turbocharging Housebuilding: A City-Led Blueprint for Urban Growth
In this episode of The Truth About Local Government, Councillor John Merry CBE shares how cities can lead the charge in meeting the UK’s target of 1.5 million new homes. From the transformation of Salford Quays to the role of Key Cities, John emphasises the need for public-private partnerships, planning certainty, and building communities not just homes. “We need to build the infrastructure… not just properties in an empty field.”
Oct 1010 min read


A New Generation of New Towns: What It Means for Local Government
The United Kingdom stands at a pivotal moment in its planning and housing history. With housing affordability deteriorating,...
Sep 2811 min read


Foundations of Change: How Local Government Can Build Homes, Futures, and Safer Communities
“For the last 20 to 25 years, this is the longest I’ve been out of prison. I was released in October last year. I’m now living in my own...
Sep 96 min read


Power and Prosperity: Unlocking Local Investment for Housing and Energy Futures
In the latest episode of The Truth About Local Government , I had the pleasure of speaking with Joe Fyans, Head of Research at Localis,...
Aug 127 min read


Understanding the Difference Between the General Fund and the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) – And Why It Matters
In the intricate and often opaque world of local government finance, few distinctions carry as much weight – yet remain as frequently...
Aug 116 min read


The Cost of Cuts, The Power of Innovation: A Council Leader’s Response to Crisis
In the corridors of local government, where policy meets people and budgets meet reality, a quiet but urgent crisis is unfolding. It’s...
Jul 216 min read


Setting Up a Local Housing Company: A Strategic Tool for Local Government Transformation
As the UK continues to grapple with a persistent housing crisis, local authorities are increasingly seeking innovative, flexible, and...
Jul 85 min read


Delivering a Housing Capital Programme: Why It Matters for Local Government
In today’s dynamic and increasingly complex landscape of housing and urban development, local authorities and housing providers across...
Jul 84 min read
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