Innovation
Unlocking public services’ potential
Our public services should be the envy of the private sector, and it is up to us to unleash our own radical innovation, says Dominic Campbell.
Auditors praise department for evaluation
The National Audit Office (NAO) has praised the Department for Education’s (DfE) approach in evaluating the local authority children’s social care projects it funds.
A celebration of collaboration
Enterprise Ireland is the innovation and development agency of the Irish Government and it will be at the LGA conference supporting a number of companies. Its goal is to build successful, long-term relationships between UK local authorities and Irish partners.
Veolia to sell Suez UK waste business
French-owned waste management firm Veolia has proposed selling Suez’s UK waste business after regulators warned of the risks of a merger.
Time for bold action on devo
As Whitehall pulls power into the centre, it erodes local bodies’ capacity and capability, says Adam Hawksbee. He believes the greatest promise for breaking the cycle and shifting power lies in the mayoral model.
Innovation’s ingredient
Jonathan Werran says we should look ahead to what the Autumn Statement will offer to incentivise the private sector to invest more, to reskill and innovate.
Time to get on with the job of levelling up
Andrew Carter says that with the Government more than half way through its term it is time to see more urgency in delivering levelling up. Delaying progress will only exacerbate inequalities across the UK, he adds.
Embedding service resilience in a post-pandemic world
What are the issues facing councils as they return to some form of post-pandemic normality and start to rebuild front line services? Michael Burton reports on a round table debate on the challenges to creating and maintaining service resilience.
Levelling up: the digital challenge
The MJ and BT recently held a round table debate with nine leading council chief executives from the Midlands and the North to debate the challenges and opportunities from the digital revolution. Michael Burton reports.
Funding decision signals 'waning influence' of LEPs
The Government’s decision to slash funding for growth hubs and local enterprise partnerships (LEPs) confirms combined authorities will increasingly lead economic development, a former LEP chair has suggested.
There's a story alright, but perhaps not the one you were expecting
Where scale and inter organisational efficiency were once the answer, now innovation and place-based transformation are the keystones of where East Hampshire DC and Havant BC go next, says Gill Kneller.
The road to stability
Tris Dyson says it’s time for Government to lead on innovation, to bolster financial resilience and improve access to jobs – and councils are best-placed to connect services.
Taking action on air pollution
Can air quality be improved through the power of good collective decision-making, facilitated by digital technology? Ann McGauran reports on a recent experiment.
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.
LGA insists in-person peer reviews will continue for now
Local Government Association (LGA) peer reviews will continue to be held in person despite a call for them to switch back to virtual delivery.
Village hall to be used to house homeless
A village hall will be converted into homes for the homeless in a scheme that is thought to be a first in the UK.
Is funding meeting councils’ needs on decarbonationisation?
Analysis by Nesta raises some questions about the effectiveness of competitive grant funding schemes to support local authorities’ role in home decarbonisation, says Madeleine Gabriel.
Eight post-pandemic digital trends for 2021 and beyond
Tim Pitts outlines eight post-pandemic digital trends. He says that one thing is clear; ‘The COVID-19 legacy will be far reaching across local government’.