This week’s And Finally wraps up everything you may have missed from LGIU! This week we launch a new report on building democratic support for net zero, and your last chance to nominate for Cllr Awards 2023.
Communities and society
And Finally: Building Support for Local Climate Action
And Finally... 22 September 2023
Our weekly round-up for everyone in local government.
Brought to you by the LGIU (Local Government Information Unit).
A not-for-profit, non-partisan membership organisation.
Highlights from this week: We launch a new report on building democratic support for net zero, and your last chance to nominate for Cllr Awards 2023.
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Report launch:
Building Democratic Support for Local Climate Action
Our brand-new report highlights how local democracy is essential to achieving net zero emissions, but that maintaining consensus is challenging in current circumstances. We highlight some of the different ways councils in the UK have experienced this and how they are navigating this crucial and sometimes controversial arena, while capacity and resources are at a premium.
Did you miss our launch event? Check out our takeaway 'packed launch' with slides, recordings and links to more resources.
Global Local: Building consensus for net zero
Big changes in the way we do things require big conversations. Our latest Global Local newsletter looks at how local government can conduct impactful public engagement on climate change.
Switzerland’s experience with a climate referendum highlights the need for policy-makers to win people over to support intervention, work with those who feel shortchanged, and persuade those who are unsure, while acknowledging those who disagree entirely with even the concept of climate action. Local governments are on the front line of democratic engagement and need to find the right tools and apply suitable approaches to build democratic consent. This edition of Global Local includes a report from LGIU’s Local Democracy Research Centre, an inspiring interview with climate action pioneers Oxfordshire County Council, innovative examples and useful resources, and the latest findings from leading think tanks about conducting impactful public engagement on climate change.
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Something for everyone
We’re all about celebrating and showcasing the best of local government. Everyone can read, enjoy and share our open features and interviews.
Green, amber or red? Scotland’s central and local government relations
Ahead of his contribution to the 2023 COSLA Conference Panel on “Our Relationship with Governments and Parliaments”, LGIU’s Chief Executive, Jonathan Carr-West, notes some initial takeaways from last week’s Programme for Government.
Interview with Oxfordshire County Council: pioneers in local climate action
Oxfordshire is standing out as a pioneering force in climate action. We chatted with the Corporate Director for Environment and Place, Bill Cotton and the Head of Climate Action, Sarah Gilbert, to share their insights with local government colleagues, near and far, who are keen to pick up the pace in adapting to a changing world.
Councils on notice: does a section 114 mean bankruptcy for local government?
Last week Birmingham City Council issued a section 114 notice, joining a number of other authorities that have failed to balance their books over the past two years. With other authorities expected to follow this year and next, this article examines what it means for local government.
New connections for broadband connectivity in South London
We’re all increasingly more reliant on digital services, but for some affordability is the biggest barrier. Anna Dent from Promising Trouble outlines the findings of new research on access and affordability and a project with two London boroughs to bridge the gap.
Quick question of the week
Can you share an example of your innovative playgrounds?
We've been thinking recently about how different types of play can provide a range of learning opportunities for children, in anticipation of our upcoming Global Local newsletter on play spaces. We want to hear how you’ve overcome budgeting issues to maintain and develop your play spaces. We’re also looking for examples of innovative inclusive play areas, including those designed specifically for SEND children.
Global Local Cllr Showcase
CLOSES TONIGHT!
Have you made a nomination yet?
Do you know a councillor or locally elected official who can be described as a Community Champion? Perhaps he or she has helped communities through projects, leadership or some other support. Use our easy online form to tell us about this community champion. Our Global Local showcase is just for elected officials outside Great Britain.
Exclusive LGIU member resources
Our member-only resources are available to every employee and elected representative at our member organisations. Not sure if your council is a member? Check here then sign up to the website or ask about joining – it’s your gateway to all member resources.
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LGIU staff picks
We've highlighted some of our media fixes of the week...
Take or leave these recommendations as suited!
🎥 Our Events Coordinator Simone found the new live adaptation of One Piece so fun she's already watched it twice! Her recommendation got some of the team thinking about how pirates helped pioneer democracies, with our Chief Executive Jonathan pointing us towards David Graeber's final book Pirate Enlightenment, or the Real Libertalia.
🎥 Commissioning Editor for Scotland Kim has been watching Jailed: Inside Maghaberry Prison, which tackles the pressures facing prisoners, staff and the UK prison system.
📖 Inspired by his recent read of Moby Dick, our Head of Research Andrew Walker recommends this article from The New Yorker, which details the painstaking process of researchers trying to speak with whales.
📖 Our Head of Content Ingrid is eyeing up Burning the Books by Richard Ovenden following a friend's recommendation. Ingrid said "it looks really interesting and highlights the critical role of librarians and archivists as custodians of our culture and knowledge".
And Finally...
The story that made us smile.
Paint the town red
Vacant Perth shop units get colourful facelift
An empty shop unit in Perth has been transformed by a local artist, Jaz Grady, who painted colourful scenes from local life on its windows. These illustrations depict various aspects of the city, including the River Tay salmon and David Annand's Nae Day Sae Dark statue. The Perth and Kinross Council project aims to revitalise vacant units in the city centre while maintaining their appeal for potential tenants. It is the first in a series of initiatives to improve the appearance of empty shopfronts in Perth. The hope is that other landlords will follow suit, and the artwork can be easily removed once a tenant is found.
This story comes from Scotland Daily News.
Daily News is an LGIU member-only service that keeps you connected to all the local government stories in the national and regional
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