NLGN
A radical case for change to employment support
Let local areas – not the Department for Work and Pensions – provide better support for people facing barriers to work, argues Pawda Tjoa
Kerslake calls for 'major review' of sector income
Former civil service chief Bob Kerslake has called for a ‘major review’ of income sources for local government.
Let’s fix our connectivity dysfunction
The Government is used to operating in broadcast mode rather than engaging in ongoing dialogue with local government, says Jessica Studdert, and she warns that without stronger connectivity, councils will constantly be on the back foot.
‘Devolve to Resolve’ the jobs and skills challenge
Powers and budgets for post-16 employment and skills development policy should be unconditionally devolved to combined and local authorities to allow for targeted interventions, says Charlotte Morgan.
People matter more than places
Until we stop obsessing about the process of place and begin to reconnect meaningfully with people where they live, we won’t change anything, says Donna Hall.
Community power – a step forwards?
A recent virtual round table debate hosted by The MJ discussed the recent trend towards councils empowering local communities. Is it a real or just a cynical way of driving down costs, and will it require a significant cultural shift to work? Heather Jameson reports.
Birmingham improvement model could be used elsewhere
An improvement model that has helped turn around Birmingham City Council could be rolled out to other struggling local authorities.
NLGN report offers four ways for mobilising mutual aid
Four strategies for rapidly mobilising local mutual aid groups to ensure the most vulnerable have what they need to get through the pandemic are outlined in a new report from the NLGN.
I have a joke but
Every now and again a social media phenomenon catches the mood and goes viral.
Survey reveals second wave concern
Nine out of 10 council leaders, chief executives and mayors are concerned about the impact of a second coronavirus wave on their area, a quarterly survey has found.
As councils prepare for a second wave, they are held back by the centre
The NLGN’s latest Leadership Index survey shows councils are not getting enough support from the centre in their battle to tackle COVID-19 locally as they plan for a potential upsurge, says Pawda Tjoa.
Community groups attitude key to success
Council attitudes towards community groups have a ‘clear impact’ on their success and sustainability, a think-tank report has found.
Building on citizen power
The Local Area Co-ordination Network is dedicated to helping people find solutions to complex challenges through local resources rather than service interventions, as Professor Donna Hall and Nick Sinclair explain.
Righting Wrongs
Anger and tumult have exploded around the world following the death of George Floyd. Ann McGauran reports on the effects of the waves of protest and how councils are working to ease tensions.
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.
Centralising instincts are undermining local assets
NLGN's latest Leadership Index shows the importance of unshackling local government from Westminster's top-down approach, says Pawda Tjoa.
Community ties strengthen as economies unravel
Community cohesion is at an all-time high despite plummeting economic confidence during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new survey of local government chiefs and leaders.
The power of local systems to save lives
The money announced for testing, tracking and tracing is welcome, but it will be pretty thinly spread across local government, argues Professor Donna Hall. Councils need to be properly funded to do this properly.
Radical transformation’s biggest gift
As the COVID-19 crisis escalates, its impact has shifted the community empowerment and participation agenda into overdrive, writes Heather Jameson as she looks at what the lasting legacy could be for local government and society.
Staying afloat while rocking the boat
Katy Oglethorpe says the context may have ‘shifted unimaginably’ in the fortnight since hundreds gathered in London’s Guildhall united by a commitment to community power – ‘but its value has been exposed as even more pressing today’.
