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And Finally... 31 March 2023

Our weekly round-up for everyone in local government

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Welcome to 'And finally'

The LGIU (Local Government Information Unit) is a not-for-profit, non-partisan membership organisation. As a member you have access to everything in this email!

Our purpose is to keep local government informed, engaged and connected and this newsletter is for sharing. Please do pass it on to colleagues in local government, wherever they might be.

This week features putting disused property back into use, notable practice, the 2023 programme of Global Local Executive Panels and of course our And Finally story with the hottest weekend in Scotland.

And Finally is taking a break next week for Easter / Passover but we'll be back on Friday 14 April.

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Global Local: Abandoned housing and land

In this week’s Global Local, we’re focusing on vacant, abandoned and derelict buildings and land and how local governments can repurpose these for better use for the public.

Global Local Executive Panel: 2023 Programme

We've just launched our Global Local Executive Panel programme for 2023! These exciting events let you hear from Chief Executives around the globe about their approaches to challenging issues, such as climate, cost of living, financial sustainability, 'harmonious decision making' and so much more.

Free for LGIU Members.

Our first event is Delivering for our communities in a cost of living crisis partnering with the Improvement Service Scotland.

LGIU articles and comment

Understanding empty homes in Scotland

Across Scotland, there is a total of 42,865 long-term empty homes. This article from Andy Moseley, Policy and Projects Manager at the Scottish Empty Homes Partnerships shines a spotlight on the true scale of vacancy in Scotland and how local government can be forefront in tackling this critical issue head-on.

Lessons from Mayo County Council on tackling vacancy and dereliction

Across Europe, local government is at the forefront of addressing the scourge of vacancy and dereliction across town centres and communities. In Ireland, Mayo County Council is tackling the issue head-on and we chatted with Thomas Gilligan, Director of Services at the council to find out just how.

Our election support for May elections in England and Northern Ireland continues with new resources and articles. Look out for our Ones to Watch next week get the low-down on the hottest races.

Who runs the councils in 'No Overall Control'?

English local elections will be held on the 4 May. As of March there are 75 councils across England in “No Overall Control”.  We take a look at what this means in practice.

Local democracy is important for national democracy

As we look ahead to this year’s local elections in England and Northern Ireland, it is a good time to reflect on the importance of strong democracy at the local level for the health of democracy in general, writes Dr Andrew Walker LGIU’s Head of Research.

All you ever wanted to know about elections in Northern Ireland, but were afraid to ask

While this election time in Northern Ireland brings the usual existential messaging from local parties, woeful analysis from those in North London, and speculations of what each election means for the long-standing divisions, this article outlines the key outlook for the upcoming elections and what changes we might see across local government.

LGIU – Vuelio local elections bulletin is back for 2023

LGIU is really pleased to be renewing our election-time partnership with Vuelio so that we can once again make sure that LGIU members have the very best news, insight and commentary for the whole of the local elections period in England.

Work with us!

Last chance to apply for our exciting new role: Head of Systems and Digital. Closing date midnight 2 April.

Notable practice: Global Local case study roundup

Find out how councils in the UK, Ireland, Australia and around the world are solving tough problems and making a difference for their local communities.

We want to hear from you!

We're always looking to amplify the voice of local government. We can help you showcase your developments. Check out our latest requests to support planned briefings.

  • supporting election workers
  • climate change action in a cost of living crisis
  • bringing derelict properties into use
  • citizen science

Got another idea? Drop a note in our online suggestion box.

Country policy roundups

Keep up with key developments in LGIU sister countries with our news, policy and research roundups.

All Things Scotland – New COSLA Chief Executive and Green Day comes to Aberdeen

All Things Ireland – Case studies lessons from Clare and Mayo County Councils

All Things England – the economy, local elections and criminalising whipped cream

The Australia Policy Roundup is included in the Monday Daily News and is brought to you with twice monthly updates from the Australian Local Government Association.

Exclusive LGIU member policy briefings

Our latest Membership briefings - available to every employee and elected representative at our member organisations.

If this was forwarded to you by an LGIU member, we encourage you to explore our membership options and contribute to the community supporting strong local democracy and governance everywhere. Even if you're not a member yet , there’s still a wealth of local government content for you – create a free website account for non-members and take advantage of our global local government community.

And Finally...

This story made us smile. 

The Economists' invasion of Dundee

Photo by ilya on Unsplash
Scotland's first Festival of Economics has begun in Dundee, with events taking place over the weekend. The festival brings together leading global economists, lecturers, politicians, authors, commentators and activists to share art, comedy, music, with economics. Organisers and podcast presenters of Scotonomics, Kairin van Sweeden and William Thomson, hope to bring it around the country in future years. It is designed with the aim of dissecting and simplifying the potential of Scotland’s economy in a relaxed way.
The National

This story comes from Scotland Daily News.

Daily News an LGIU member-only service.
Daily News keeps you connected to all the local government stories in the national and regional press.

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