Blogs
Getting out and about
18 June 2013
Local government has worked hard to make parks and other outdoor areas accessible to older people. But more effective consultation could save time and money, write Professors Catharine Ward Thompson and Marcus Ormerod.
Powerhouse of growth
18 June 2013
Tourism has an important role to play in helping grow the economy, writes Councillor Ann Steward.
Local Growth
17 June 2013
Local government can create a new and stronger basis for economic growth, argues Councillor Nick Forbes.
The ‘next generation' council
4 June 2013
Shared management in district councils has gone from being a radical alternative to a standard option to deliver improved services at less cost. Now we need to consider the partnership approaches of the future, writes Dr Andrew Larner
Independent local government
9 May 2013
The time has come for England to copy their Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish counterparts and embark on a devolution of power from central to local government, according to Graham Allen MP.
Local investments
5 April 2013
Local authorities that demand large corporations invest in local people and their communities have no reason to fear adverse reactions from their corporate counterparts, writes Councillor Alan Sitkin (Lab, Enfield)
Access to elected office
19 March 2013
Disabled candidates for elected office face unique challenges and expenses. Now a new fund provides the extra support they need, writes Michael Andrew MacDonald
Scrap the planning inspectors
14 March 2013
It is time to get rid of the Planning Inspectorate and for local government to organise its own system for managing planning appeals, writes Councillor Robert Long. Drive the debate and have your say on this blog.
Professionalising councillors
11 March 2013
With local authorities growing in complexity and demands on elected members increasing, it is time to consider professionalising their role, argues Councillor Nicholas Rogers
Skills gap
26 February 2013
MPs Caroline Dinenage and James Morris ask what should local partners be doing to help align local skills provision with employers' needs?
