Primer: Housing
This Primer provides a detailed introduction to local authority housing issues; key topics covered include homelessness, house building and renting. It is written with new councillors in mind but should also be useful to others new to local government or wanting to find out more about housing.
Primer: the essentials of local government finance in England
This primer is designed to provide newly-elected councillors with a short, non-technical introduction to the main features of local government finance in England, but should also be useful to others new to local government or wanting to find out more about finance.
Going digital to save lives
Pauline Waddell, Team Manager, Mobile Emergency Care Service (MECS) explains how Falkirk Council safeguarded a lifesaving service and became the first local authority in Scotland to enable end-to-end digital telecare.
Looking at Ireland’s new policy framework – a world first?
On 29 March 2021, the Irish Government launched an ambitious and wide-ranging rural development policy. This briefing paper provides an overview of the policy’s main features and provisions, and it notes the influence, throughout, of a more optimistic paradigm.
Leading from the front line: supporting local government to deliver net zero
Local government has a crucial role to play in the delivery of a sustainable future. The Improvement Service recently recruited a new position to lead on climate change by engaging the local government community and building new partnerships and collaborations. Judi Kilgallon gives her initial reflections on the drive for action and how the Improvement Service…
Finland’s approach to tackling the infodemic – the first line of defence is the kindergarten teacher
This briefing charts the Finnish education system, outlines fundamentals, and explores how this combats Covid-19 misinformation. The Finnish approach to education and media literacy might serve as a lesson for the rest of the world on how to navigate the infodemic.
Audit of local government – how are councils performing?
The New South Wales Auditor-General’s Report on Local Government 2020 provides the result of the annual financial audit of the sector. LGiU Australia provides a summary of this key report not only for NSW councils, but also to allow councils in other states to consider similar issues.
Levelling up – what does it really mean?
What exactly does levelling up mean? And what are the key questions surrounding it? We look here at definitions, how it is being funded, and what commentators say it should include to be effective.
Early years provision – reopening the sector after Covid-19
The Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown have resulted in significant change and challenge for the early education and childcare sector in England. Drawing on the most recent government and sector evidence, this briefing examines how the impact of Covid-19 on the operation of all provision, levels of child attendance, the workforce and provider finances, business…
Counting the “cost”, carbon offsetting for local authorities: what are the options and how do they work
This guide provides an overview for local authorities on the controversial issue of carbon offsetting, a topic that polarises opinion. It gives local authorities context and signposts to resources that can support difficult organisational decision-making.
