Communities
‘Fix the broken system’
Local authorities are taking the lead in trying to alleviate the climate crisis but there is a definite disconnect between the actions of Westminster and those on a local level, as Eleanor Radcliffe and Sarah Longlands explain.
Restoring resilience
Councils need to own the leadership of the response to extreme weather events and should argue the case for their role to be recognised and properly resourced, says Dame Meg Hillier.
LGA: Care Act hope has faded
Only around two thirds of councils are confident of being able to meet all their legal duties under the Care Act by next year (2025-26).
MJ Regen: The sum of all parts
Combined authorities have the tools to drive regeneration but the private sector must work in partnership to deliver, says Phil Mayall.
A proactive approach to climate change
Andrew Spencer discusses how Equans is creating sustainable communities through effective place-based decarbonisation.
MJ Regen: How to grow when the cash runs out
With the current state of council finances, we need to look again at the role of local authorities in economic development, focusing on convening and collaborating rather than delivering growth, says Dr Simon Kaye.
Communities are the heroes of the East Hampshire story
East Hampshire DC is working with its transformation adviser to create a compelling, 10 years ahead story about transforming its place, says Gill Kneller.
Brent’s big turnaround
Brent has one of London’s highest poverty rates. Kim Wright illustrates how the council is working in partnership with several pilot initiatives to support residents hit by the cost of living crisis.
Keeping local government relevant and meaningful
Following the pandemic and the cost of living crisis, we need to recognise that social capital may be just as tired as some staff in local government, says Kathy O'Leary.
Call for powers to back up funeral director inspections
Councils have said they ‘urgently’ need more powers and resources after being tasked with inspecting funeral directors.
Pedalling a way to success
Essex Pedal Power provides bikes for free to those living in the most deprived areas of the county, and may lead to the creation of a national scheme. Julian Sanchez explains.
Reclaiming our regions
Twelve months into a five-year project examining how to build more inclusive regional economies, Tom Lloyd Goodwin highlights four emerging priority areas for the next UK Government to address.
Strength in numbers
Stronger Things comes at a crucial point, when delegates can set the agenda for a new government and put communities at the heart of that, as Katie Kelly explains.
Driving positive outcomes must be top of metro mayors' agenda
Improving outcomes for communities is at the heart of successful devolution and metro mayors must put in place a plan to achieve this from day one, says Kerry Scott.
Government ignores sugar levy calls
The Government has ignored Local Government Association (LGA) calls for the sugar levy to be spent by councils to tackle physical inactivity.
Connecting health to cohesion
The evidence showing the importance of social cohesion to health, and the damage loneliness causes to mental health, is compelling. Ann McGauran reports.
The quest for community harmony
A Government-commissioned review has spelt out the difficulties councils face when trying to protect social cohesion. Martin Ford reports.
Embracing innovation in leadership recruitment
Ben Parsonage offers some practical strategies for identifying leaders who can help promote innovation and creativity across your organisation.
Observations on Japan’s strong local leader model
Reflecting on his Japanese Study Tour, Sam Cunningham says it is imperative to seek inspiration and insights beyond borders amid the challenges facing councils.
Learning from tragedy
Debbie Jones looks at the lessons emerging from an independent review focused on the children found guilty of the deaths of three young people in Croydon.