This week’s And Finally wraps up everything you may have missed over Easter, including two new Global Local newsletters; an upcoming Executive Panel addressing the cost of living crisis; and, a range of new articles showcasing best practice case studies from local government.
And finally 14.04.23
And Finally... 14 April 2023
Our weekly round-up for everyone in local government
Welcome back to 'And finally'
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This week, cost of living, supporting election workers, building democratic consent for Net Zero, tackling misinformation, supporting local businesses and more.
Global Local editions: cost-of-living and local elections
Two weeks of Global Local!
- Local election administration: How can local elections operate at their best in an age of declining trust in electoral systems and results.
- Climate action in a cost of living crisis: how councils can address the climate emergency while also supporting residents through the impacts of the cost-of-living crisis.
Global Local Executive Panel: Delivering for our communities in a cost of living crisis
Delivering for our communities in a cost of living crisis, 27 April - morning in the UK and Ireland, evening in Australia
LGIU and the Improvement Service (Scotland) are thrilled to gather together chief executives from Ireland, the UK and Australia to explore how councils can support children and families through the cost of living crisis!
- How is local government supporting families and children through the cost of living crisis?
- How will net zero alleviate poverty and provide employment?
- How can local governments raise funds given the current cost of living crisis?
Our full programme is free for LGIU Members Check it out!
LGIU articles and comment
Tackling misinformation and disinformation
Ours is an age of misinformation and disinformation. From spin and marketing to ‘gaslighting’ and deliberate mistruths, delivered via a range of media from radio and tv, to social media and messaging apps.
In our series of articles showcasing the latest local government innovation from the Chambers Ireland 2022 Excellence in Local Government Awards, we hear about Ireland’s first outdoor learn to cycle track from Waterford City and County Council.
Steps for local leadership to help small businesses thrive
In this article, Archie Ratcliffe from the Federation of Small Businesses outlines the role local authorities can take in supporting local businesses and LGIU’s Greg Stride highlights the findings of our recent local government finance survey in relation to local businesses.
Supporting election workers as tensions rise
Whether through new voter requirements or through misinformation, the role of elections workers is getting harder. How can we address challenges and make sure we have enough people for the polls?
In Conversation with Cleland Sneddon, Chief Executive of South Lanarkshire Council
Taking part in LGIU’s local government leadership spotlight series, Cleland Sneddon, Chief Executive of South Lanarkshire Council discusses the opportunities and challenges facing their Council as well as the broader sector overall.
Building Democratic Consent for Net Zero
This article introduces an upcoming research paper which explores some of the challenges that councils face in maintaining public support for and understanding of net-zero in midst of the rising cost of living, fuel prices and other challenges to public services.
We always want to hear about the great work you're up to where you are. Drop us a line and tell us your local government story.
Free member policy event: Climate leadership for local authorities
27 Apr 2023, 10:00–16:00
Online and in person at LGIU offices in London
Over three-quarters of UK local authorities now have declared a climate emergency and many councils are already delivering a range of projects which will contribute towards achieving Net Zero for their areas by or before 2050. However, local authorities still face a number of challenges in fully operationalising decarbonisation. This event explores how councils can deliver a corporate approach to climate action and effectively communicate and engage with communities and stakeholders to drive behavioural change. Join us for the course as well as a discussion with the Local Democracy Research Centre.
Country policy roundups
Keep up with key developments in LGIU sister countries with our news, policy and research roundups.
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.
- A new framework for economic development: prioritising people, place, and planet (Australia)
- England policy round-up: February and March 2023
- 2023 Budget: a deeper dive into the implications for local government (UK)
- Health, social care and public health round-up: March 2023 (UK)
- First Nations Voice to Parliament Referendum Question details released (Australia)
- Supporting rural communities who face a cost of living crisis – a real and urgent problem to solve (Scotland)
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.
Learn something new with LGIU: Management skills
12 May 2023, 09:30–12:30 (GMT). ONLINE
Understand how your behavioural choices can maximise your personal impact as well as how to prioritise and balance your time — especially managing your online availability for the team. Learn the six fundamental principles for good management practice in local government.
Members enjoy a 25% discount.
Our election support for May elections in England and Northern Ireland continues with new resources and articles.
And Finally...
This story made us smile.
Hunt for Lego in the museums of Dumfries
| A number of Lego brick characters – unique to Dumfries – have been hidden within the town's museums for visitors to search out. Based on people from Dumfries' history, the figures are spread across several trails on a range of themes to help people discover the tales within the buildings. Museums' access officer Tom Hughes said the trail first began five years ago following work with the regional autism network to create five figures, including Lady Devorgilla and Robert Burns, at Dumfries Museum. But now the characters and the trail's popularity have grown with all ages and abilities. The latest Lego pieces are based on Dr Flora Murray, “Glasgow Girls” artist Chris Fergusson, the poet, Jean Armour, characters from Tam O'Shanter, and some historical figures who inspired his songs. The Daily Record |
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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