Like an overstuffed Christmas stocking the December issue of c’llr is here, brimming with thought provoking articles and captivating columnists to brighten up the winter months.
The theme we’ve chosen for this edition is new approaches.There has been much talk recently of councils meeting the twin challenges of reduced funding and ever increasing demands for services by trying out new ways of working. But behind the headline language of ‘commissioning councils’ or ‘co-operative’ councils what is going on?
Our nine-page feature takes a look with articles from, among others: Nottingham leader Jon Collins on democratic accountability for services; Peter John, the leader of Southwark, on his council’s innovative approach to investing in the futures of young people; Waltham Forest’s leader Chris Robbins on a council led partnership that is tackling gang culture; and the Centre for Justice on non-adversarial ways to settling disputes that could save councils time and money.
Elsewhere in the magazine you’ll find Hilary Benn. In fact you can’t miss him; the new shadow communities secretary is on our cover and the subject of Mark D’Arcy’s c’llr interview.
Different models of governance also come under the spotlight. We take a look at elected mayors – it’s fair to say that some of the leading lights in Birmingham’s Labour party are very keen on the idea and they share their thoughts with c’llr – and Wiltshire’s leader Jane Scott explains why her council decided it could do without the post of chief executive.
And of course there is more – so please do take a look. Councillors at LGiU member authorities will have received copies of the magazine and you can download a PDF here.
