Over the past few days, Germany (along with parts of the Netherlands and Belgium) has experienced catastrophic flooding, following record levels of rainfall in parts of the country. Questions have arisen around how such a devastating outcome was able to prevail as the death toll surpasses 180 and core infrastructure is predicted to remain a…
How can we measure, understand and compare the decentralisation of power in different contexts? In this first paper in our Devometrics project with the University of Kent Paolo Dardanelli and Kieran Wright scope out the issues and challenges, appraise current approaches and begin to apply them in practical contexts.
Building on a framework of dimensions of autonomy, Mark Sandford, Senior Researcher at the House of Commons Library, looks at the mechanisms and processes that need to be in place to devolve and decentralise power. The analysis focusses on English local government, but the framework has wider implications and will be of interest within other…
In this paper we argue that building back better after the pandemic must include a new settlement for place that reconnects the government’s “levelling up” ambitions with the decentralisation of power in England.
This guide has been produced for elected members who are involved in the council’s overview and scrutiny process and want to develop their questioning skills.
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.
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.
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.
Our Primer series will help new councillors get on top of the complexities of some of the many different service areas that local authorities provide.
This primer introduces the planning process, common terms and phrases and details current issues within the planning system. It is part of a series of primers, covering key local authority subjects, which are aimed particularly at new councillors to help them settle into the role.
