Digital
Instagram leads to investment in our cities
Urban leaders need to better understand their online brand, as cities with fewer mentions across social media and online news tend to attract less investment, says Cllr John Merry.
A unique moment in time
At The MJ’s recent Future Forum, BT outlined the immense opportunities digital and online services are currently offering councils – and the chance for true innovation must be taken.
Can local government continue at this pace?
Managing Director and Client Partner for Capita Local Public Services Paul Abraham says that now is a great opportunity to rethink how we deliver services to citizens.
Tackling the digital divide in a changing world
Springboard, a new cutting edge online digital skills platform, is helping to train and upskill residents in Brent and address exclusion to ensure nobody is left behind. Peter Gadsdon explains.
Northern Ireland’s big redesign moment
Central and local government have come together in Northern Ireland to transform the planning system through a user-friendly digital first approach. Angus Kerr and Ed Baker explain.
Counting the benefits of good partnership
The South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership was formally signed off this summer. It will build on South Holland DC’s own experience of partnership working, and build something even bigger, says Rob Barlow.
A compelling national vision for local government
Becoming part of a ‘medicalised treatment-based model’ is the last thing social care needs, says Professor Donna Hall, as she puts forward the beginnings of a new vision for local government.
Return on investment – the next frontier in city climate action
More than 30 cities in six countries including Cambridge, Coventry and Dundee are using a new software platform to model different ways to meet their climate targets. Tomer Shalit explains.
Beyond carrots and sticks
Andy Woods ponders the rise of ‘influence government’ at a local level, looking at what can be learned from the behavioural economics playbook and at the ethical considerations.
Lifting up our high streets
Engaging with and empowering communities are crucial to rejuvenating our high streets, and we must ensure citizens’ voices are heard and listened to, says Kathy Kyle Bonomini.
How to build communities
We need a long-term approach to investing in housing and placemaking that puts the needs of communities first, says Jonathan Werran – and greater transparency will restore local trust in the planning process.
Street Hub 2.0 provides an opportunity to drive recovery
James Browne looks at how digital infrastructure can support local authorities to enhance services for local communities.
Building forward in local government
Failure by the Government to recognise the great strides councils have made harnessing the positive power of technology during the pandemic would be a significant opportunity missed, says Pauline Yau.
Future Forum: Call to replace transactional with relational
A forthcoming report by the Demos think-tank advocates moving from ‘transactional’ to ‘relational’ public services.
A critical juncture for integration
While the media spotlight is heavily focusing on health and social care, it is vital to incorporate ‘true integration’ into all services and areas as the race to attract and retain staff becomes more competitive. Chris Barrow explains.
Reimagining culture for our local communities
Arts Council England will stand with local authorities that seize the chance to build a vibrant new reality for every place, born out of creativity, says Darren Henley.
Here we go again on planning
Will the imminent Government planning proposals be the reforms that end all reforms, asks Steve Quartermain.
HMJ: Time to build upon the digital journey
To build a sound future for our health services, we must accelerate the digital journey, as Paul Sanders at Civica explains.
Marsham Street looks to improve councils' 'cyber health'
The Government is to work with councils in an effort to bolster their cyber security against malware and ransomware attacks.
Bridging the great divide
What can be done to reduce the digital divide? Erica Roscoe looks at recent research centred on England’s North East.
