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On this week’s podcast, we reflect on what messages can be drawn from the surprising outcome of last week’s elections. Is it all about bins not Brexit, or are there more complex layers to these elections? We contemplate the increased Lib Dem and Independent vote, and speak to Cllr Steve Bridger, who was elected on…
Councillor candidate hopefuls up and down the country are out in force this week, as Thursday’s ballot looms. We speak to those people at the frontline of our local democracy – whether running for the first time, veteran campaigners, standing down or switching party – and to the Association of Electoral Administrators about the officers…
In light of the crisis facing the UK retail sector, councils have an integral role to play in shaping the future of these once-vibrant public spaces – and indeed their future financial security relies on business rates income to which retailers have typically been major contributors. This week we bring you ‘3 questions to ask yourself…
We bring you a taster of our recent appearance on Connected Local Gov TV, in which LGiU researcher Andrew Walker, Southwark Cabinet Member for Housing Stephanie Cryan, and Dawn Eckersley from the East London Housing Partnership discuss the drivers behind the housing crisis. Followed by run-down of recent LGiU member-only housing policy briefings such as…
Three quarters of English councils have elections in May – so what better time to give the tyres of our local democracy a kick? From the basics of publishing candidate names and polling station locations, to stamping out fake news in political discourse, we explore the ways councils can bring their citizens into local decision-making.…
In this episode of LGiU Fortnightly, Jonathan Carr-West and Ingrid Koehler explore the work LGiU has carried out over the past few weeks, and run through our latest briefings. We speak to Kim Fellows of LGiU Scotland about the role we play across the border, plus an interview with Dr Seán Ó’Riordáin of LGiU Ireland about…
Councils are facing unprecedented financial pressure and core services are creaking. How did we get here and what needs to happen? In this week’s bumper episode we speak to council leaders, the LGA, SOLACE and experts from the NAO, IFS and CfPS about their reaction to the findings of LGiU’s State of Local Government Finance…
Bins – a perennial doorstep issue for voters, a frequent headache for councils. Following the launch of the Government’s new Resource and Waste Strategy, this week we’re talking trash. We speak to Dr Peter Maddox, Director of WRAP, about DEFRA’s new proposals, targets and consultations that will have major impact on how councils run their…
What does 2019 hold for local government? Is this the year councils finally get the clarity they desperately need on social care and funding? Although Whitehall is distracted by Brexit, there are some glimmers of hope that other policies are still on the agenda – including the NHS 10 year plan and the Waste Strategy.…
LGiU held its ninth annual Cllr Achievement Awards on Tuesday, to celebrate the shining stars of local government! In this special edition of LGiU Fortnightly, we run you through the evening in case you couldn’t be there, telling you a bit about each of the shortlisted councillors and hearing from our award winners and Lord…