Innovation
Standing out from the crowdfunding
CrowdFund London was developed by the GLA and Spacehive. James Parkinson says the public sector has an important role in enabling civic projects to come to fruition in this way – and the approach features in Nesta’s innovation compendium
‘We want something totally transformational’
A new book from Nesta brings together knowledge on innovatation. One process is the 100 Day Challenge. Ann McGauran outlines how this has been useful in bringing about system change in Essex.
Council should 'build on lessons learned' after critical review
King’s Lynn & West Norfolk BC should ‘build on the lessons learned’ from the construction of a state-of-the-art commercial workspace, the council’s chief executive has said.
Three, the magic number
Guy Robinson sings the praises of Hounslow LBC’s innovative three-stage commissioning model, and urges more authorities to follow
Pension fund makes local investment
Strathclyde Pension Fund has agreed a £20m investment in companies developing innovative diagnostic, treatment or monitoring technologies.
A new vision of social care’s future
The upcoming social care Green Paper needs to encourage innovative thinking and the idea that embracing technology can have a dramatic impact on delivery of social care. David Rees explains why, and how a partnership with Hampshire CC is already reaping dividends in these areas
Assistance you can count on
Shropshire has been taking advantage of assisted technology to help deliver services across the county. Andy Begley looks at the benefits of tapping into the digital era.
Councils should hire a 'public entrepreneur' - report
All councils should appoint a ‘public entrepreneur’ to lead innovation and transformation, a report today has urged.
COSLA in tourism tax call
The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities’ (COSLA) president today called for more financial power for councils, starting with the discretion to introduce a tourism tax.
Highways maintenance backlog falls to £9bn
The estimated highways maintenance backlog has fallen by almost 23% this year to £9.3bn from £12bn.
What we'll do as an integration pilot
Linzi Roberts-Egan on what Waltham Forest LBC will do after being named an integration pilot by the Government.
Council to generate £1.7m from housing company
South Cambridgeshire DC expects to fund nearly 10% of its overall budget in 2018/19 from income it will generate itself.
Councils urged to adopt a ‘changemaking’ approach
A think-tank has warned that a radical cultural shift is needed in local government rather than a rigid redesign of structures.
Council defends end of broadband business
Aylesbury Vale DC has defended its decision to sell the assets of its fibre broadband business less than three years after the company was incorporated.
Should public services be taking risks to innovate?
Dan Corry argues local authorities and other public bodies should learn from the lessons of innovators in the third and private sectors, rather than necessarily taking the risks themselves.
Even in difficult times, we need to encourage innovation in social care
Despite the current financial pressures, Ewan King argues innovation is needed now more than ever.
Putting together a workable business plan
Rebecca Hazeldine outlines the key components in translating objectives and funding strategies into a workable business plan.
Experiment and innovate to deliver better services, for less
As Nesta announces the eight Welsh organisations to receive funding from a £5m programme to accelerate innovation in public services, Rob Ashelford offers some advice for other innovators.
Putting people first
Both national and local government must seize opportunities to build new partnerships that tackle social challenges in a way that works for everyone by putting people first, writes Steve Reed.
Edinburgh gets £1.1bn City Deal
A £1.1bn City Deal for Edinburgh and south-east Scotland was signed yesterday.