Skills
Let's put investment into our school buildings
Schools capital allocations have been skewed by political priorities, says Gary Fielding As a result, North Yorkshire CC 'find ourselves with swathes of the country having insufficient places to meet demand and/or poor building conditions'.
Not a business as usual approach
Metro Dynamics has launched a guide for people working in and with towns that distils what it has learned over the past few years, based on eight principles. Mike Emmerich explains.
Creating a country that works for all
Arianna Giovannini of IPPR North says that whichever party emerges as the winner on 13 December should prioritise rebalancing our national economy - creating a country that works for everyone.
Working with young people across Medway to reduce the number of NEET
Medway Council has achieved significant falls in the number of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET). Ian Sutherland explains how this has been achieved.
Tackling race inequality is not just morally right – it also makes good economic sense
As Bristol approaches the first anniversary of its Equality Charter, Cllr Asher Craig says the city has forged ahead with initiatives to begin delivering real change to BAME communities.
Nine myths about your council’s digital transformation
Michael Taylor drives customer expansion in the UK for novoville, the citizen engagement and digital transformation expert with over 50 clients in 3 European countries. Here he analyses some of the common digital fears that councils harbour.
'If you want to see my achievements look around you'
It is the four political offices at the LGA who have ensured consistent political support and the effective ‘hidden wiring’ to identify the local talent among their councillors and provide the vital follow-up and mentoring, says Paul Wheeler.
Time for transformation
Chair of Solace Gavin Jones tells local government to reverse public services’ polarity that sees demand as a drain rather than a resource.
Austerity's toll on competency framework requirements
If austerity is coming to an end then maybe it's time some of those who have held frontline services together got some reward and recognition for doing so, says Paul O'Brien.
Growing a city the holistic way
Chief executive of Belfast City Council Suzanne Wylie talks to Ann McGauran about the ambitious 20-year place-shaping community plan, prioritising inclusive growth, the Brexit factor, and more.
Levelling the skills divide
If local and national Government want to counter northern citizens feeling ‘left-behind’, the young need the prospect of real jobs writes Claire Fox.
Changing Tynes
Heather Jameson talks to Jamie Driscoll, North of Tyne Mayor, about the main challenges facing the combined authority, the region’s devolution deal, and putting party politics to one side to work with the Northern Powerhouse minister.
Tackle high street decline the right way
Research by Centre for Cities highlights the problem with improving high streets' cultural amenities without dealing with the economic fundamentals, according to Andrew Carter.
London in skills devolution call
The capital has called on the Government to further devolve powers over skills funding.
The sector has a key role in reforming the Apprenticeship Levy
It's two years since the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy, and John O'Brien feels like it is time for employers including councils to be able to use it more flexibly.
Ticket to independence in Lancashire
Helping adults with physical disabilities and those over 65 stay healthy and independent for longer is a key challenge. But there are ways services can change to ensure people’s lives are transformed for the better. Louise Taylor explains
Social enterprise can play a part in reshaping our high streets
Nicola Steuer explains how the School for Social Entrepreneurs and its partners are using a new form of grant funding called Match Trading aimed at focusing social enterprises and community businesses on growth
Grounds to be optimistic - but let's not get carried away
Andrew Carter says there are reasons to be optimistic about an urban policy renaissance under this Government - but the most significant intervention Boris Johnson could do for cities is to agree a deal with the EU.
A challenging story of ‘care and neglect’
Tom Stannard says there is much to support in the Augar review for local government in terms of fixing a broken policy and funding system for further education (FE) and higher education (HE), but there is a ‘risk it goes the way of the adult social care Green Paper in the Spending Review and suffers multiple delays and dilutions’
Mace chosen for university project
Project management consultancy Mace has been selected to support Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority in delivering a new university.