Technology
Post-pandemic planning for the core cities
Chief executives and directors from the UK’s biggest cities debated their challenges and opportunities in a round table discussion organised by Core Cities UK and The MJ, supported by BT. Paul Marinko reports.
What do the ONS figures for March public sector finances mean for councils?
The pain of inflation will be particularly felt across local authority budgets, says Leo Hanna, but with increased investment into technology today councils will be able to drive future cost efficiencies.
Closing the digital skills gap
Simon Collinson looks at how to widen the talent pool and bridge the digital skills gap in the UK public sector.
Is wind power the next step in delivering net zero?
Martin Barnes discusses the intensifying pressures being placed on local authorities to reach ambitious net zero targets, and how these can be achieved through the use of small wind.
Zero progress on climate but devo can keep things on track
The Levelling Up White Paper’s relative silence on net zero represents a huge missed opportunity – unless the devolution genie is quickly let out of the bottle, writes Grace Newcombe.
Putting purpose before profit for our children
Dominic Campbell says it’s time to build ventures that can put purpose ahead of profiteering – and fostering is just one of the areas being tackled by a new not-for-profit co-conceived with local authority partners.
Levelling up: the digital challenge
The MJ and BT recently held a round table debate with nine leading council chief executives from the Midlands and the North to debate the challenges and opportunities from the digital revolution. Michael Burton reports.
Rebuilding Ukraine
Emmet Regan looks at how Ukraine could be rebuilt, with the UK leading the way in post-war reconstruction and transformation, to offer a renewed sense of hope.
Dundee: the UK’s best-kept life sciences secret
Dundee is mapping out the young and dynamic city’s economic revival through its approach towards the development of life sciences, says Cllr John Alexander.
The digital and the democracy
The new chief executive of Adur and Worthing Councils, Dr Catherine Howe, has a unique perspective on both technology and democracy. She tells Heather Jameson why she is looking to the horizon.
It’s time for local leaders to unleash their creativity on levelling up
The lack of a central roadmap in the Levelling Up White Paper offers a unique opportunity to local leaders, Georgina Cox and Marc Kidson of PA Consulting.
Public data is the water to quench our thirst for levelling up
Local areas can benefit from harnessing and crunching unstructured, anonymised public data from the web and social media, says Keren Pakes.
Six steps to preparing your council for the future of work
David Burrows of Faethm outlines the workforce planning strategies that local government must develop to match skills to councils’ current and future technology-driven requirements.
Reflections on 2021
Julie Towers looks back on the past 12 months, anticipates what will be in store in the new year and assesses how the sector needs to adapt to keep up with the pace of change.
A step on the journey
The arrival of long-awaited social care White Paper is exciting, or would have been, had there been £15bn to put its vision into effect, writes Caroline Abrahams.
HMJ: Council chosen to pilot anti-obesity app
A new app that rewards people for healthy behaviour will be piloted by Wolverhampton City Council.
Making our homes digital-ready
The Housing Learning and Improvement Network has identified ten principles to include in a technology strategy for any project spanning housing, health and social care. Jeremy Porteus explains.
The social state
COVID-19 restrictions may have been lifted but a new report by Demos and Capita, launched at The MJ Future Forum, revealed people are less likely to make and build new relationships now than they were in the first lockdown.
A unique moment in time
At The MJ’s recent Future Forum, BT outlined the immense opportunities digital and online services are currently offering councils – and the chance for true innovation must be taken.
Can local government continue at this pace?
Managing Director and Client Partner for Capita Local Public Services Paul Abraham says that now is a great opportunity to rethink how we deliver services to citizens.
