Data
Governing the local AI revolution
A nuanced approach to governance is needed to successfully navigate the challenge of integrating AI within local authorities, say Amardeep Gill and Jonathan Werran.
Adult services will reap the benefits of data
A pioneering initiative funded through the apprenticeship levy is aimed at fostering a community of adult social care data analysts, poised to shape best practices, says Sam Villis.
Oflog should consolidate financial results monthly, say accountants
The Office for Local Government (Oflog) should consolidate the financial results and position of local authorities on a monthly basis, accountants have suggested.
CIPFA pleads for Oflog costs to be kept down
It is ‘unrealistic’ to think the Office for Local Government (Oflog) will not pile fresh resource pressures on councils, finance experts have warned.
Call for Whitehall homelessness strategy after rough sleeping spike
London Councils has called for a cross-departmental strategy to reduce homelessness after Government data showed a 30% rise in rough sleeping in a year.
Lack of AI policies could have 'catastrophic consequences'
More than three out of four UK councils do not have usage policies for artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace, according to data obtained using the Freedom of Information Act.
Risk/reward – the AI lessons
The responsible integration of powerful AI foundation models into local government will require a process of continual learning and iteration, says Elliot Jones.
Don’t fall for all the hype behind AI
Natalie Cramp talks to Ann McGauran about some of the opportunities, risks and challenges emerging from the use of data and AI in local government.
Oflog data explorer to cover all main sector services by mid-2025
The Office for Local Government’s data explorer will cover all the main services offered by the sector by the middle of next year, the watchdog has pledged.
Chiefs back ethnicity pay gap reporting
Council chiefs have backed proposals that would place a duty on local authorities to collect data and report on staffing, pay and outcomes by ethnicity.
Staff shocks
A new report from the County Councils' Network and PwC lays out some solutions to a complex sector recruitment problem that’s worsening by the year, says Simon Edwards.
Expanding Oflog’s vision
Jack Shaw says the Office for Local Government needs to go further than its current long-term vision, and moving to a statutory footing would mean it could set up a more robust performance regime.
Data collection to begin on ‘underappreciated’ libraries
The Government has agreed to implement the findings of an independent report into libraries in an effort to bolster awareness and engagement.
Reflections on an active year for the sector
Jon Dilling, Toni Hall, Dawar Hashmi and Julie Towers of Penna share their talent market insights as we head into 2024.
It’s the era of the ALMO
Far from becoming extinct, arm’s-length housing management organisations offer better performance for less cash. Mike Ainsley and Eamon McGoldrick explain.
Using tech for effective placemaking in Halton
Creating vibrant connected communities is a crucial part of local government policy making – and placemaking sits at the heart of this, say Stephen Young and Emily Douglin.
Lord Morse: I do not blame all council failure on 'bad management'
A recent newspaper article portrayed him wrongly as arguing that any council financial failure could only be due to ‘bad management’, says Lord Morse.
Future Forum North: 'Move Oflog out of London for independence'
If the new Office for Local Government (Oflog) wants to demonstrate its independence it should moved out of London.
AI’s tipping point
How will artificial intelligence change local government and the lives of residents – and can the sector make the most of the opportunities it offers while mitigating risks? Ann McGauran reports,
Is it time to consider AI legislation?
Watching the development of the EU AI Act could provide local authorities unsure about the use of AI and its potential impact with some useful guidelines, writes Sandip Patel KC.