Humour
Democracy's different down under
Most people are aware that voting in Australia is compulsory, but far fewer will be informed about the traditions surrounding the trip to the polls.
What do traffic jams, hopscotch and skyscrapers have in common?
Diary considers itself something of a connoisseur when it comes to audit reports, but recently found itself considering the images that adorn their front covers.
We’re Going to Need a Bigger Boast
We must be grateful in these quiet days of August that many hard-working folk in local government continue to slave away at their desks.
Rubbish jokes
Diary has often been known to crack a fair few bad jokes in its time.
The key to happiness
Potholes, parking and part-night street lighting – highways crews so often get it in the neck from the Great British public on a variety of issues.
Grayson, meet Tinie
Cross-dressing artist Grayson Perry goes to the parts of the UK where even rap artists have feared to tread.
Eeh by gum! Stop with the jargon!
West Yorkshire folk are known for their plain-talking style.
Back to school
Parents taking their kids out of school to go on holiday is a perennial problem for councils.
Quick-thinking tinkling
During a misspent youth, Diary occasionally encountered drunken louts shamefully urinating in dark corners when caught short after a few pints.
Done for battery?
When your local police and crime commissioner (PCC) contacts you to discuss charges, usually you’d be in a spot of bother.
Porn this way
Diary wonders what creative juices are in the water at London Councils.
Re: ?
When Diary writes an email it sometimes agonises over what to put in the subject line.
Rising with Rishi
Local government minister Rishi Sunak’s morning habits have changed since he got the job in January.
Escape to the Country
As Britain sweats under the heatwave, councils across the country have been busy organising summer fetes and fayres.
Lookalike or no lookalike
Mark Lloyd’s day job as Local Government Association (LGA) chief executive keeps him busy enough.
Councils bring it home
Diary admits it was excited when it heard whispers that football was coming home.
Brokenshire's 10 minutes of fame
Newish communities secretary James Brokenshire was treated a bit like a celebrity at his first Local Government Association (LGA) conference.
Power to Change your view
Some say we grow to become the things we disliked as youngsters.
Dressing down for councillors
Think back to what councillors were wearing at the last council meeting you attended.
Communities crucial to Brokenshire
The role of secretary of state for housing, communities and local government covers everything from building regulation to high streets, planning reform to integration.