governance
Make monitoring great again
Ensuring monitoring officers have a seat at the top table could help create a culture of better decision-making and assurance, argues Peter Ware.
New extremes
Mike Bennett reflects on Solace’s response to the 2006 challenge posed by the election of extreme right wing candidates to English councils.
Breaking bullying’s grip
The acceleration of inappropriate behaviour in town and parish councils is leaving staff in fear for their jobs. Will the Government take action? Ann McGauran reports.
Best Value inspections to examine debt concerns
Spelthorne and Warrington BCs are facing Best Value inspections amid concerns over debt levels at both authorities.
Newham promises 'relationship reset' after concerns
Newham LBC has promised a ‘relationship reset’ following claims a ‘culture of mistrust’ had developed between senior politicians and officers.
1984 and all that
Forty years from the passing of the Rates Act, how relevant are the provisions designed to give central government control over the governance of local taxation and expenditure, asks Jonathan Werran.
Stopping the downward spiral
Mike Bennett reviews a new book that captures the degradation of ethics in public life and sets out ways to restore high standards – but is local government listening, he asks.
Local elections: more than just a barometer for Rishi
Local elections do swing with national politics, but the full picture is far more nuanced, says Heather Jameson. 'More so now, as a gaping chasm opens up between the performance of the best and worst local authorities and mayors.'
On the road to improvement
Northumberland Council’s peer review, following a hard-hitting review of governance, shows the local authority has come a very long way in a short time, says Helen Paterson.
41st time lucky?
After four decades of different initiatives which have failed to boost growth, Professor Martin Jones considers what needs to change to bring success.
Steering a way through the AI challenge
AI offers so much for adult social care practice, but for all the potential, there are plenty of pitfalls. Caroline Green provides some advice on navigating the challenge,
A call for transparency and accountability
Local government must confront pressing 'elephant in the room' issues head-on if it is to foster transparency, accountability and effective governance, says chief executive of Local Partnerships Adele Gritten.
Reform should not be detached from wider purpose
The role of the centre and its interface with regions and localities must shift as devolution matures, writes Jessica Studdert.
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.
Growing public awareness is an important step in galvanising action
With a General Election later this year, there’s a clear opportunity to build on the growing public awareness of the problems councils face, says Claire Kober.
Reimagining council operations: Hunt vs. Logic
Claire Agutter says councils can navigate financial challenges by adopting robust strategic planning systems, implementing effective risk management, and prioritising service integration.
Officer-councillor tensions affecting outcomes, review finds
‘Clear and obvious tensions’ between Teignbridge DC’s executive and senior leadership team are ‘inhibiting progress and damaging the council’s reputation,’ a review has warned.
Northumberland has ‘further to go’
Northumberland CC has ‘further to go’ despite progress on its improvement journey, a report has found.
Governing the local AI revolution
A nuanced approach to governance is needed to successfully navigate the challenge of integrating AI within local authorities, say Amardeep Gill and Jonathan Werran.
A new era of cross party working and grown-up politics in Broadland
One year into a new political leadership era at Broadland DC the story is one of no egos, no gatekeeping and no partisan point scoring, says Natasha Harpley.