Can a localised, yet connected, approach to public service innovation help us to meet complex social, political and financial challenges? Asks Jonathan Carr-West.
Long-term complex challenges facing society and the economy must inevitably involve deeper localism and radical public service transformation through networks of local innovation, the Local Government Information Unit has suggested. (£ subscriber only content).
Give people influence over the places they live in, the public services they use, and bring them together to share ideas and resources, argues Jonathan Carr-West.
The complaints body for local government has broad support across the sector but must develop a distinct offer for councillors, the Local Government Information Unit (LGiU) think-tank has reported today. (£ subscriber only content)
Swindon Council’s former leader, Rod Bluh, has criticised the government and David Cameron over their handling of councils in a stinging comment piece he has written for a local democracy think talk (C’llr magazine June 2013).
Our latest live chat discussed lessons from South Africa and France on creating a national public system, panelists included Laura Wilkes, LGiU policy manager.
Evidence suggests that social capital is important for people’s wellbeing. However, creating social capital in communities, especially in today’s economic climate, can be a challenge. Laura Wilkes of the LGiU has been analysing the impact of The Big Lunch.
Eight out of 10 councils expect their authorities to take a more proactive stance in relation to the private rented sector in future, according to research by the Local Government Information Unit (LGiU) and the Electrical Safety Council, and nearly 95% think they have “an important role to play” in this sector.
I have just paid my annual subscription to the Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS) – 1% of my take home pay – so a review by a critical friend is in order, writes John Fowler.
