Primer time: Local government subject guides for new councillors
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.
England & Wales
Publications
We have an extensive catalogue of publications - research reports, long read articles, toolkits and best practice guidelines - that stem from our work with our member councils and other collaborations.
Most publications are free to read and download as PDFs but you do need to be logged in to the website. Please sign in or set up an account if you don't already have one (this is free of charge). A few publications are for members only.
Featured:
A New Settlement: place and wellbeing in local government
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”…
England & Wales
The mechanics of devolving power
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…
Global
Devometrics: How to Measure Decentralisation? A Review of the Literature
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…
Global
Members
Primer: The planning system
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.
England & Wales
Members
Primer: Adult social care
This primer introduces you to some of the main issues in adult social care, especially topics that may be raised by local people seeking advice from their councillor. 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.
England & Wales
A New Settlement: Place and Wellbeing in Local Government
Following the upheaval of the past year, the time is right for a radical restructuring of power, politics and policy around the needs of local places. That’s why we argue in this paper, and in the full report that will be published on Wednesday 16 June, that the UK needs a new “settlement for place”.…
England & Wales
Members
Primer: Cultural services
This primer introduces you to the arts and culture sector and local authority cultural services, covering libraries, museums, theatres, arts services, and leisure services. It is part of a series of primers, covering key local authority topics, which are aimed particularly at new councillors to help them settle into the role.
England & Wales
Bundle: Reforming social care: ideas, delays, history
To no one’s surprise, the Queen’s Speech did not include a plan for reforming adult social care, although the UK government says it is committed to bringing forward proposals. So are we any nearer fundamental change? This bundle explores the long-standing issues around adult social care and presents recent content on reform ideas.
England & Wales
Members & Followers
Ones to Watch: LE2021
Two years’ worth of elections. 143 councils. 13 mayors. What’s at stake and what’s up for grabs in May 2021? This long read looks at the hot elections across England.
England & Wales
Members & Followers
Essential guide to local elections communications 2021
Local elections matter and how we talk about them matters. Effective communications can build enthusiasm for local democracy and this communications guide focuses on some easy steps that councils can take during the election period.
England & Wales
Members & Followers
Personal safety for councillors
Our personal safety is something many of us take for granted, this short guide offers some guidance on assessing risk and adopting strategies and behaviours that will minimise any potential hazards you might identify as part of your councillor role. It has been updated to include information on canvassing and Covid-19.
England & Wales, Scotland
2020 hindsight: reflecting on global learning from the pandemic
Following on from our content last week marking the anniversary of Covid-19 lockdowns, this bundle focuses on the international knowledge-sharing opportunities arising out of the pandemic; providing a range of learning from countries’ experiences in tackling Covid-19 as well as generally for other issues.
Australia, England & Wales, Global, Ireland, Scotland
