Communities
Think tank calls for sweeping reforms to local taxes
A group of former Treasury special advisers have called for revaluation of the council tax and reform of business rates to boost the economy post-COVID-19.
Supporting more democratic, responsive urban planning and design
In one of a series of essays on how the wisdom of citizens could support councils in managing cities after COVID-19, Peter Baeck and Sophie Reynolds look at the urban planning and design process - and share inspiring examples from across the world.
Luton forced into unavoidable cuts
Luton BC’s boss has said the council has done all it can but has no other choice than to cut 365 jobs and frontline services.
Councils call for clarity on local lockdowns
Councils this week called for clarity on the legal powers they will have if they are forced to implement local coronavirus lockdowns.
The 2020 Public Services Commission: 10 years after
Ben Lucas and Dr Henry Kippin assess the work of the 2020 Public Services Commission. They also address how society can recover from the coronavirus crisis, and argue the need for a different economic model if we want to build back better.
Government warned on cohesion threats
Whitehall has been warned that community tensions could erupt further as the concerns of Black Lives Matters protesters are fuelled by emerging coronavirus inequalities.
LGA asked to act on community cohesion
Council leaders have spoken of their concern about rising tensions within their communities.
Successful community initiatives should not depend on having friends in high places
Success in working with councils depends on knowing committed insiders, says Luca Tiratelli of the New Local Government Network.
What have we learned from London councils’ response to COVID-19?
Rebecca Eligon and transformation lead colleagues from councils across London write of their ‘deep pride’ in the way local government has ‘really stepped up’ in response to COVID-19.
The Future of Local Government – no way back
The findings of a survey on the future impact of COVID-19 on councils provide an opportunity to consider ways to level up how services are delivered, says John Knight.
Free community groups to take on assets - think-tank
Powers allowing community groups to take on local assets should be kick-started to build on the volunteer spirit generated by COVID says a report released today.
Protecting our social infrastructure
The needs of community infrastructure are as deserving of funding as the multi-billions being allocated in capital funding to our big state growth schemes, says Localis chief executive, Jonathan Werran.
Taking those first steps back from crisis
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic what we don’t know far outweighs what we do, say Darra Singh and Aidan Rave. But they believe some emerging indicators will create a framework that could well guide the ‘post-crisis order’.
The lesson of the last 10 weeks
Increasing social capital in the long-term could be a positive legacy of the crisis and councils are surely the bodies to enable it, argues Claire Kober.
Let’s remake the state
The state is a centralised, broken mess, says Professor Donna Hall. Instead of getting the public behind a common enemy, we should be harnessing public anger to reimagine local public services.
Cultivating community is key to our COVID-19 recovery plan
Graham Duxbury believes that as part of a green recovery we must redouble our efforts to ensure those who need it most can connect with nature close to home.
Registering the impact of COVID-19
The impact of COVID-19 on registrars services has been massive, says John Rooney. Here, he outlines how staff adapted swiftly to put vital new processes in place at Rochdale BC.
Every frontline worker deserves recognition
It will be a long time until we see the full impact of the coronavirus crisis, says Heather Jameson. But we need to recognise the efforts of frontline workers
Economic recovery and reform: the role of community power
The resurgence of community action has been impressive and needs to be seen as a ‘power source’ to build back a better economy, say Tom Lloyd Goodwin and Neil McInroy.
Why localism is needed for behaviour change
Councils can be key – as can local community groups and charities – in setting social norms that people will want to follow, says Dan Corry.
