Local democracy
Councillor, are you on mute?
Kathy O'Leary is navigating the perils of holding a council meeting online in the midst of the coronavirus crisis
Don’t put democracy on lockdown
Claire Fox asks if it is undemocratic for local areas to introduce fundamental shifts in transport policy as ‘settled’ without a proper public discussion?
Making decisions in cyberspace
With the advent of virtual decision making in local government, Ian Fytche offers insight into how it is working at North Kesteven DC in challenging times.
Lockdown lessons in virtual democracy
Cllr David Renard outlines how Swindon BC got its decision-making functions up and running again after the COVID-19 lockdown.
The Planning Inspectorate – Will it win its technology race?
COVID-19 is driving the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) to modernise, says Jasmine Ratta. She hopes it will outline a virtual procedure to ‘ensure the development industry gets back on its feet as quickly as possible’.
A united unitary
Buckinghamshire Council leader Cllr Martin Tett talks about the successes of launching the country’s newest unitary council while tackling COVID-19 full-on.
Creating the rainbow together
Councils' response to COVID-19 has been phenomenal, says Dr Andrew Larner - and he hopes that Government will respond to the sector as capably as the sector has risen to the challenge of the pandemic.
Technology delivers democracy in Waltham Forest during the COVID-19 emergency
Martin Esom outlines how Waltham Forest became the first council to pilot its monthly planning committee meeting virtually - using technology to deliver democracy during the pandemic.
Experts seek clarification on virtual meetings regulations
Councils should give five working days’ notice for virtual meetings or use normal urgency procedures while clarification is sought on the new regulations during COVID-19, says guidance.
Councils given power to hold meetings remotely
Local authorities will be allowed to hold public meetings remotely by video or telephone under new powers introduced today.
Video conferencing first at council meeting
A council used software to help decide key planning applications in what is believed to be the first meeting of its kind in the country.
Changes to governance structures are needed in a time of pandemic
Decision making is a pressing concern facing local government lawyers due to the evolving pandemic, but it is not the only one, says Helen McGrath
A powerful light at the end of the tunnel
These are the most challenging times most of us have lived through, says Donna Hall – and ‘we can choose to close down or swim towards the light of a new community power at the precious heart of our public services’.
How are councils responding the COVID-19 crisis?
CLES is collecting details of local authorities’ innovative and exceptional measures to support people through the COVID-19 crisis, says Neil McInroy.
Councils respond to coronavirus outbreak
Councils have closed, events and meetings have been cancelled and some politicians are in self-isolation in a bid to stem the spreading of the coronavirus pandemic.
Plans drawn up for remote meetings
Plans to let local authorities conduct their council meetings remotely are being considered by the Government.
Budget 2020: New West Yorkshire mayor announced
A new directly-elected West Yorkshire mayor has been announced with the Government signing a new £1.8bn devolution deal amid plans to ‘level up’ the UK economy.
Building communities for change
In order to deliver sustainable and impactful change we need to take a whole place-based approach that involves deep understanding of what each group within a network contributes, says creative director at FutureGov Robbie Bates.
Political control of our councils matters
Paul Wheeler looks ahead to the elections expected in May and the parties' political prospects – and says that on current polling trends this set should be a good one for the Conservatives.
'Voter ID could disenfranchise certain sections of community'
Forcing voter ID could disenfranchise certain sections of the community, a House of Lords select committee has heard.
