governance
Northumberland has ‘further to go’
Northumberland CC has ‘further to go’ despite progress on its improvement journey, a report has found.
Governing the local AI revolution
A nuanced approach to governance is needed to successfully navigate the challenge of integrating AI within local authorities, say Amardeep Gill and Jonathan Werran.
A new era of cross party working and grown-up politics in Broadland
One year into a new political leadership era at Broadland DC the story is one of no egos, no gatekeeping and no partisan point scoring, says Natasha Harpley.
Moving forward after failure
Ed Hammond considers the governance challenges facing members under section 114 and other models of oversight and the implications for member-officer relationships.
Shifting the dial on moral hazard
Robert Weaver looks at the extent to which moral hazard and non-financial risks need to be understood by the sector to help ensure robust governance arrangements.
Nottingham commissioners appointed
Commissioners have been appointed at Nottingham City Council amid Government concerns at the authority’s pace of recovery.
Tower Hamlets faces Best Value inspection
A Best Value inspection is to take place at Tower Hamlets LBC, the Government has announced.
Risk/reward – the AI lessons
The responsible integration of powerful AI foundation models into local government will require a process of continual learning and iteration, says Elliot Jones.
Don’t fall for all the hype behind AI
Natalie Cramp talks to Ann McGauran about some of the opportunities, risks and challenges emerging from the use of data and AI in local government.
Local authorities in the spotlight: Hit the simplify button
Service director at Peopletoo Selinda Chouhan sets out nine foundations local authorities need to have in place to support the delivery of improvement, transformation and change programmes.
Devolution has transformed the way local services work together in London
There has been an explosion of collaboration across the capital, says Alison Griffin. 'Twenty-four years on, we have many examples of joint working that impact our residents.'
Council probe leads officers to ‘step back’
Two senior Guildford and Waverley officers have agreed to temporarily ‘step back’ from their roles amid intensifying investigations into housing maintenance contracts.
Turning the tide on the ‘post-politician’ era
Chris Criscione highlights some ways he believes local government can – slowly but surely – improve its reputation and communicate better with its residents.
Time for change: An early review for the Code of Audit Practice
Change is needed now to resolve the broader problems in the local audit market, and together with other organisations, the NAO has produced new proposals for a reset, says Mike Newbury.
Scottish devolution: Time to re-boot
It’s time for an informed debate in Scotland on the next stage of the devolution journey, says George Thorley.
England should become a Marmot Nation
ICSs will need to get firmly onto the front foot if they are to deliver their goals, including delivering more seamless health and social care services, say Phil Hope and Steve Barwick.
Tapping into digital and tech for public good
AI is arguably this year’s key technology trend, with generative AI in particular and large language models promising great benefits for the public sector. Ann McGauran reports.
NAO issues wake-up call
The National Audit Office (NAO) chief’s warnings to Whitehall over governance are a wake-up call for councils too, the watchdog’s executive director Abdool Kara has said.
Radical overhaul required to drag us into the 21st century
From central government and the NHS, to police, prisons and local government: the ‘state of the state’ is dire, says Heather Jameson. 'There are few quick fixes, but propping up the status quo is not an option.'
The challenge of governing isn't just what, but how
Whoever wins the election, by whatever platform, their entry into office will quickly be met with the challenge of how to deliver on their promises in practice, says Jessica Studdert.