Local democracy
More information is better
One thing canvassers might remember is that voters ‘are free-thinking individuals who can change our minds if we hear a better argument’, says Claire Fox.
EXCLUSIVE: Single tier fear reignited
County councils are being offered the option of unitary local government as part of a devolution deal, The MJ understands.
Wirral’s cabinet is set to go as Labour lose key vote
Wirral MBC is legally obliged to abolish its leader and cabinet model and adopt a committee system by May 2020, following a town hall vote.
Route to restoring local democracy in Scotland
The first article in this series set out the context for restoring local democracy in Scotland. Lead author Keith Yates explains what followed and outlines the approach to the 1996 reorganisation.
It's time to act on improving women's representation in local government
There are a raft of measures that could improve the under-representation of women in our council chambers - many of which are set out by the Fawcett Society, says Claire Kober.
Mending a shattered society
Local government must be the glue that mends the broken bonds of our communities, writes Donna Hall.
Devolution, Brexit and health pledge tops agenda
Heather Jameson says the Queen’s Speech could be the shortest-lived legislative plan in history – but if the Government has time to deliver just some of the measures there is lots of legislation for local government
Queen's speech: Voter ID requirement at elections to be rolled out
The Queen’s Speech has set out the Government’s plans to require voters to show photographic ID at polling stations.
Plans for voter ID bill branded 'dangerous and undemocratic'
Plans to introduce voter ID across the whole country have been branded ‘dangerous, misguided and undemocratic’ by the Electoral Reform Society (ERS).
COSLA conference: Ex-minister hints at council tax cap relaxation
A former SNP minister has suggested there could be a relaxation of the cap on council tax.
COSLA conference: Sturgeon promises 'biggest decentralisation of power' in two decades
The results of the Scottish Government’s local governance review will bring the ‘biggest decentralisation of power’ in the 20 years since devolution, first minister Nicola Sturgeon has promised.
Place-shaping with a Flourish!
Gavin Sneddon reviews Nesta’s board game that lets management teams reinvigorate their visionary capabilities.
Devolution legislation planned for Queen's Speech
The Government is planning to launch the next round of devolution legislation in the Queen’s Speech, The MJ understands.
Do we all hate each other?
Local government could teach Downing Street and Westminster a thing or two. It has always had to deal with people who disagree on issues and have different world views, writes Dan Corry.
Councils shouldn’t be afraid to let go
Local government will need the support and collaboration of communities to tackle the big social challenges we face, argues Joe Wills of Centre for London.
It’s time to reboot localism, says think tank
Local authorities should formally commit to including the neighbourhood in all decision making processes, says Centre for London.
We have the power to engage people constructively in local climate emergency solutions
Graeme McDonald says the positive engagement and diversity at a Solace roundtable exploring what role the organisation might play in the climate emergency agenda 'really filled me with energy'.
The MJ Data and Digital: Croydon consultation goes digital
When Neil Williams launched Croydon LBC’s digital strategy, he opened up the consultation online. He explains to Heather Jameson how it works.
We need to modernise and strengthen the electoral machinery
Professor Toby James says there is a roadmap available that would put elections on the surer ground they require. Thankfully, the norms of civic duty and professionalism are strong, he adds.
The MJ Data and Digital: Digitising democracy
Digital minister for Taiwan, Audrey Tang has brought the openness and transparency she found on the internet to the government and created a system to crowdsource answers to policy problems. Heather Jameson reports