All things Scotland
Our monthly round-up of everything you might have missed from LGIU’s support for local government in Scotland.
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If you’re interested in what we do but are not part of a member organisation, there is still much to be gained from signing up on our website for a non-member account. You will be able to read additional free content and you can opt to receive ‘And Finally…’ a FREE Friday round-up newsletter and/or our Global Local bulletin, which explores international approaches to a different topic each week.
LGIU member resources
By local government for local government. LGIU supports our members with a daily news service; key policy round-ups, insight and analysis across the full range of local government topics; original research projects; panel events and workshops for shared learning and networking; discounts on a full programme of local government training and much more.
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Insights from Highland Council’s award-winning town centre development team
Nominations NOW OPEN for Cllr Awards 2023!
The Cllr Awards are the only national acknowledgement of the significant contributions that individual councillors in England, Wales, and Scotland make. Running for the 14th year in England & Wales and the 6th year in Scotland, the LGIU & CCLA Cllr Awards are your chance to nominate exceptional councillors in your area.
Despite their crucial roles, councillors are often underappreciated and unrecognized for their efforts. We aim to change the narrative and celebrate these hard-working individuals! Don’t wait to submit your nomination – they’re only open until midnight on Friday, 22 September.
LGIU's round-ups and collections
Our round-up briefings are ideal for keeping up with the latest developments in key policy areas. From health and social care to housing, and from global think tank findings to parliamentary legislation, our round-up services are a core member benefit that saves you time and makes sure you’re always in the loop – find out more about LGIU membership benefits here.
Collections are available to everyone and includes a mix of member-only and open resources.
Notable practice round-up
🟢 Everyone can read about inspirational practice and innovation in all four of our LGIU’s core countries, with links to resources that can help you make it real where you are. Read here.
Housing and planning round-up
🔒 LGIU members can get up to speed quickly with the latest developments in housing and planning. Read here.
Health and social care round-up
🔒 LGIU members can access our monthly update on important policy developments, thinking and research on health and social care in the UK. Read here.
Scotland Policy Bulletin. Issue No. 3
🔒 LGIU members can follow along with progress of legislation currently in Holyrood that is of relevance to local authorities in Scotland. In addition, it highlights key devolved matters, open consultations and third party reports Read here.
Think tank review
🟢 This month our international think tank review is open for everyone! We cover the latest findings from leading think tanks around the globe with insights that are critical for local government. Read here.
Collection: Environmental governance
This collection showcases a range of LGIU work that explores all things environmental governance on a local level, including best environmental practice from local leaders around the world, the importance of community engagement, and adaptation and resilience strategies. From exclusive LGIU member content to our Global Local newsletters, plus articles which are free for anyone to read, this collection provides resources to support better policy and practice for your communities. Read it here.
Spotlight on Irish local government
To mark the LGMA’s Your Council Day on June 23, we’re highlighting the services Irish local government provide for people and communities with some of our past content. In keeping with the theme of Your Council Day, we’ll be showcasing the range of work taking place across Irish local authorities, including the services not always associated with councils, such as arts and heritage, urban and village renewal, and tourism. Read it here.
Collection: Energy - powering local futures
This collection showcases a range of LGIU work that explores energy on a local level, including transitions in energy sources and powering future homes. It has plenty of key resources to offer for staff and councillors in public services that aspire to drive a sustainable energy transition in their areas. Read it here.
Collection: Tackling pollution
Local authorities across the world have the opportunity to play a central role in achieving a profound change in global pollution through delivering effective and sustainable pollution management strategies. From investing in clean transport services and modifying local water management policies, to promoting sustainable waste management, there are clear ways local governments can reduce pollution. Check it out.
Global Local
Learning from around the world.
Catch up on everything you might have missed with our quarterly roundup!
Read the quarterly roundup here.
Want more Global Local? Nothing is stopping you!
Everyone can sign up to receive the Global Local bulletin for FREE – but only LGIU members and Global Local subscribers receive full access to:
- The archives;
- Global briefings;
- Free places at our Global Local executive panel events.
Each week, we bring you a deep dive into the issues with a new look at local solutions to global challenges. Our recent editions covered:
🇦🇺 Spotlight on Australian local government
We’re casting a spotlight on all things Australian local government. Read here.
Turnaround cities
In this issue of Global Local, we’re examining the towns and cities that have overcome periods of industrial or economic decline. Read here.
🇮🇪 Spotlight on Irish local government
A spotlight on all things Irish local government and the vital role they play in the social and economic spheres across this island state. Read here.
Rural 20-minute neighbourhoods
An examination of whether the 20-minute neighbourhood concept can be successfully implemented in more rural settings. Read here.
Local government finance
New research, key lessons and useful resources for sustainable local government finance. Read here.
More member resources in July
Each week, we bring LGIU members new resources on key topics and reduce complex information to actionable insights.
Catch up on policy
Taxing tourists in Scotland: what the visitor levy bill means for councils
Councils in Scotland should soon have the power to charge tourists who stay overnight a visitor levy. With legislation before the Scottish Parliament, this briefing looks at how the levy will work and what it might mean for local authorities.
Just the job: how labour market trends affect local government
The 2021 UK census asked people, among other things, about their jobs. But how does this affect local government? This member-only briefing uses census data to reveal how many people work in different professions, both for councils and in areas of employment affecting public services.
Turnaround cities – research on seven cities for the Economy 2030 Commission
Many post-industrial cities around the world are trying to turn around long-term economic underperformance and forge a new future. This member-only briefing explores research for the Resolution Foundation’s Economy 2030 Commission asks what can be learnt from the experience of ‘turnaround cities’ – cities that have overcome economic shocks and turned their fortunes around.
Accounts Commission 2023 Overview: is it time for radical thinking about local government finance?
This briefing explores the recommendations from the Accounts Commission Local Government Overview 2023 in more detail and looks at some of the case studies published alongside the report that highlight examples of good practice.
Not an LGIU member but want to fully unlock your LGIU benefits? Find out more about joining us here.
With case studies
Supporting disabled people into work and out of poverty
We look at the policy response of both the UK government and the Scottish government, as well as the role of local government, in tackling the challenges of addressing this correlation and improving the livelihoods of disabled citizens.
Summer holidays: fun and carefree, or unwelcome pressure for families?
School holidays can be a stressful time for parents, however, local authorities can mitigate some of the pressures.
Ports and local authorities: understanding the complexity of new and enduring agendas
This member-only case study briefing looks at the UK’s port sector and the major pressures it faces to adapt to environmental challenges. Overall, ports are key players in their cities and communities as they often play a part in defining the area’s identity and culture.
20-minute neighbourhoods: how does it work for rural communities?
Drawing on case studies from across the UK this member-only briefing will take a specific look at what the 20-minute neighbourhood approach might mean for rural communities.
Children and young people’s mental health today – embattled and in need of council support
A child or young person’s mental health can have long-term implications. This briefing explores some examples of programmes and initiatives, set up by Scotland’s local authorities, to help children and young people with their mental health.
Report summary
💻 Just the job: how labour market trends affect local government
The 2021 UK census asked people, among other things, about their jobs. But how does this affect local government? This member-only briefing uses census data to reveal how many people work in different professions, both for councils and in areas of employment affecting public services.
🏙️ Turnaround cities – research on seven cities for the Economy 2030 Commission
Many post-industrial cities around the world are trying to turn around long-term economic underperformance and forge a new future. This member-only briefing explores research for the Resolution Foundation’s Economy 2030 Commission asks what can be learnt from the experience of ‘turnaround cities’ – cities that have overcome economic shocks and turned their fortunes around.
Something for everyone
At LGIU, we’re all about celebrating and showcasing the best of local government. Everyone can read, enjoy and share our open features and interviews. We also encourage anyone to reach out here if you’ve got an idea that you want us to cover or your own story to share with LGIU’s international community of local government.
Is the potential impending collapse of the housing market a bad thing for the UK economy?
Last week, the Bank of England raised interest rates to 5%, in the face of increasing inflationary pressures, but is this a good or bad thing for the UK economy? LGIU’s England Commissioner, Peter Smith, ponders this question in this article. Read here.
Community action to tackle violence against women and girls
Women’s safety from male violence impacts all women’s lives. In this article, Emma Moseley Policy Officer at Trafford Council explains how GreaterSport’s Right to the Streets is aiming to make streets and public spaces safer for women and girls. Read here.
Islands in the downstream – governance in the Scottish islands
In this article, Adele Lidderdale, PhD Researcher from the Institute for Northern Studies, UHI in Orkney, provides an update on her PhD research into island governance systems and the implications this holds for local government. This research is part of the LGIU’s Local Democracy Research Centre. Read here.
Insights from Highland Council’s award-winning town centre development team
Following the Highland Council’s 2023 staff recognition awards, this short article shares some insights into the Housing Development Team’s award-winning projects. Read here.
Who lives where? Scotland’s new sub-council area population projections
This new article from Improvement Service answers the question of who lives where across Scotland. Without a doubt, knowing where people live now and where they might live in the future is essential information for local authorities who are responsible for delivering key services. Read here.
