Transparency
Could the beating stick be used to point out councils’ efficiencies?
While local government focuses on the stick used to beat it, where is the carrot?, asks Heather Jameson. 'What if councils embraced a little transparency and used this new data to create their own stories?'
Transparency calls over monitoring officer departure
Salford City Council’s opposition leader has called for transparency over a settlement agreement The MJ understands was paid to its departing monitoring officer.
Support for Zane's Law gathers momentum
Two more councils have backed calls for greater transparency over contaminated land and waters following the death of a seven-year-old boy.
Chiefs back ethnicity pay gap reporting
Council chiefs have backed proposals that would place a duty on local authorities to collect data and report on staffing, pay and outcomes by ethnicity.
A Bill to drive innovation and local accountability
With the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill going through its final parliamentary stages, Tiffany Cloynes and Rebecca Gilbert look at some of the changes it would bring in.
New North Yorkshire Council urged to live stream meetings
Councillors in Scarborough have urged the new North Yorkshire Council to live stream all its meetings online to improve transparency and cut down on travel.
Perfecting the art of procurement
The Procurement Bill should have been bolder and stronger, says John Tizard. But there is nothing to stop local authorities bringing in some of the measures it should have included, he believes.
Seek transparency to avoid failure
The MJ’s series of articles on avoiding organisational failure continues with a look at transparency and accountability, including the importance of openness.
Dealing with reputational risks
With the environmental, social and governance agenda becoming a key force shaping global investment markets, local government directors are uniquely positioned to turn risk into gains, says Jamie Ounan.
Cause of local authority audit delays ‘multi-faceted’
Stakeholders in the local audit system must continue efforts to secure timely publication of audited accounts, a report by auditor Grant Thornton has urged.
Watchdog will 'protect' councils, says Rowley
The Office for Local Government (Oflog) will provide a ‘protective shield’ for councils when it launches later this year, local government minister Lee Rowley has revealed.
Future Forum North: Whitehall intervenes 'far too late'
The self-described ‘poster child of Best Value intervention’ has said Whitehall always wades into failing councils ‘far too late’.
MPs accuse Government of 'gambling with public money'
MPs have accused the Government of ‘gambling with public money’ dished out for levelling up.
Future Forum: Call for relational public services
A relational approach can help councils connect with communities and improve services, according to a new report.
Be on the front foot for housing rules
With a new Social Housing Regulation Bill expected to become law this summer, Kelsey Walker looks at how local authorities can get ready for the new regime and prepare for performance measurement.
New accountability body 'stops short' of Audit Commission reinvention
Plans for a body to oversee the accountability of local government stop just short of re-inventing the Audit Commission, according to experts.
There's much for councils to welcome in procurement consultation response
Councils could look at their processes and record keeping to ensure a smooth jump to greater transparency ahead of a new public procurement Bill, says Peter Ware of Browne Jacobson.
Minister dismisses 'sham' university study
A minister has dismissed a university study on the UK community renewal fund as a ‘sham’.
Creating true value
Local government must mark a decade of social value with purpose driven procurement, writes chief executive of Localis Jonathan Werran.
Transparency – more key than ever in the WhatsApp era
Elizabeth Denham offers five recommendations to help Freedom of Information staff deal with requests at a time when the use of private correspondence channels is increasing.