Jim reports from the Convention of the North in Manchester. A confident gathering with demands for sweeping devolution powers. But questions remain over both parties willingness to go along with it. Jim also found the North West is trailing the North East in its enthusiasm for any devolution deals at all.
With UK ministers and civil servants being lobbied hard about changes to planning laws, Martin Liptrot wonders if perhaps its time to look at how local decision-making is better informed too.
Jim joins the debate raging over trans rights and thinks the issue could have dangerous consequences for Labour and particularly the Scottish Nationalists.
The latest tranche of ‘Levelling Up’ grants were announced this week. Whether your area was a winner or a loser the bidding process is fatally flawed and should be scrapped according to DIB boss Frank McKenna.
In the first Ladyboss HR blog of 2023, Victoria asks “Is your business lean enough for 2023?”
The law and strikes can be an explosive mix according to Jim. In this week’s blog he relates a lesson from industrial history on a previous Tory government’s attempt to curb union power through the courts.
In his first blog of the New Year, Frank McKenna explains why the country needs a dose of ‘boring’ in 2023.
Jim was underwhelmed by the New Year speeches from the Prime Minister and Labour leader. He’s calling for some vision and leadership,particularly on social care. He also looks forward to a pivotal year in politics with important local election in the North West.
Jim isn’t filled with much Christmas cheer as he reviews a pretty awful year for the government. He recalls the disaster like an unending drama, but also thinks Labour has much to do to inspire people in 2023.
Frank McKenna looks back at some of the many Downtown highlights of 2022 in his last blog of the year.
Victoria takes an in depth look at work-related illness following the publication of the work-related health and safety in Great Britain.
The government seems to have decided to tough it out as multiple strikes hit the country. Jim is critical of both parties approach to the problem that has echoes in the last century.
