governance
Local elections: more than just a barometer for Rishi
Local elections do swing with national politics, but the full picture is far more nuanced, says Heather Jameson. 'More so now, as a gaping chasm opens up between the performance of the best and worst local authorities and mayors.'
On the road to improvement
Northumberland Council’s peer review, following a hard-hitting review of governance, shows the local authority has come a very long way in a short time, says Helen Paterson.
41st time lucky?
After four decades of different initiatives which have failed to boost growth, Professor Martin Jones considers what needs to change to bring success.
Steering a way through the AI challenge
AI offers so much for adult social care practice, but for all the potential, there are plenty of pitfalls. Caroline Green provides some advice on navigating the challenge,
A call for transparency and accountability
Local government must confront pressing 'elephant in the room' issues head-on if it is to foster transparency, accountability and effective governance, says chief executive of Local Partnerships Adele Gritten.
Reform should not be detached from wider purpose
The role of the centre and its interface with regions and localities must shift as devolution matures, writes Jessica Studdert.
Observations on Japan’s strong local leader model
Reflecting on his Japanese Study Tour, Sam Cunningham says it is imperative to seek inspiration and insights beyond borders amid the challenges facing councils.
Growing public awareness is an important step in galvanising action
With a General Election later this year, there’s a clear opportunity to build on the growing public awareness of the problems councils face, says Claire Kober.
Reimagining council operations: Hunt vs. Logic
Claire Agutter says councils can navigate financial challenges by adopting robust strategic planning systems, implementing effective risk management, and prioritising service integration.
Officer-councillor tensions affecting outcomes, review finds
‘Clear and obvious tensions’ between Teignbridge DC’s executive and senior leadership team are ‘inhibiting progress and damaging the council’s reputation,’ a review has warned.
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.
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.
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.
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.
