There can be no question that 2011 has been one of the toughest years in living memory for local government. Few in the sector will mourn the passing of this year, yet as we look ahead to 2012 there are reasons to remain cheerful. Here are my five hopes – forgive my festive optimism [...]

Now that the Localism Act is enshrined in law, it’s important to step back and look at the final product of almost 18 months of debate, discussion, concession and amendment, to see what the real impact will be for the neighbourhoods, towns and cities where we live.

Nowhere is this impact going to be [...]