Local democracy
Keeping local government relevant and meaningful
Following the pandemic and the cost of living crisis, we need to recognise that social capital may be just as tired as some staff in local government, says Kathy O'Leary.
Where’s the trust?
LGIU research sheds light on the ever greater decline of public trust in government. Dr Jonathan Carr-West looks at the possible solution.
Tread carefully when talking to members
Passion and professional values have their place but they need to be shaped to take account of the political environment, says Blair Mcpherson.
Can mayoral polls help Tories buck their losing trend?
Jonathan Werran picks out the highlights from the local and mayoral poll results so far, and he argues the case for a more stable set of electoral cycles.
UPDATED: Tories hold Tees Valley despite heavy losses
Ben Houchen retaining the Tees Valley mayoralty for the Conservatives proved to be the party's only glimmer of hope among a bleak set of local election results.
Vote warning
Elections officers have warned of the impact of changes to postal vote rules as polls open across England and Wales today.
The quest for community harmony
A Government-commissioned review has spelt out the difficulties councils face when trying to protect social cohesion. Martin Ford reports.
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.
Wanted: fiscal reform not fiscal frustration
'To bemoan any Government’s inability to take difficult political decisions when it has been in power for 14 years is to wriggle out of collective responsibility', says Heather Jameson.
Councillors back Greater Lincolnshire devolution deal
Proposals for a mayoral devolution deal for Greater Lincolnshire have been approved by the three upper-tier councils.
Budget: Trailblazer devo deal for North East
The North East has secured a trailblazer devolution deal that could provide a package of new funding potentially worth more than £100m, chancellor Jeremy Hunt has announced in his Budget.
T’is the season!
The possibility of a UK Parliamentary General Election on 2 May combined with local polls is the plan causing most concern in the electoral sector, says Peter Stanyon.
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.
No one forgets financial decisions have real people at the heart of them
Adele Taylor says: 'As officers in local government we know we have to provide politically neutral and professional advice, but we also need to recognise the challenge our politicians face.'
Being rude about politicians is a national pastime
Blair Mcpherson says public sector managers need to recognise the many hats with competing priorities that must be worn by local councillors.
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.
Battling democratic backsliding
Greg Notman and Professor James Downe reflect on the current health of local democracy, and look at the best ways to measure it.
No prospect of sector spending boost after General Election
Council chief executives have been told Whitehall spending is unlikely to change quickly regardless of who wins the next General Election.
Addressing the mess
Key aspects of our systems of governance are broken, says Matthew Taylor, and radical reform is necessary if the country is to begin fixing the inherent problems.
Wales to automatically register voters
The Welsh Government is to establish automatic voter registration for local government and Senedd elections.
