Local democracy
Let’s not stay silent
Baroness Claire Fox argues that while most of us will never have our lives threatened for our views, Cancel Culture can make cowards of us all.
Will steps finally be taken to protect public servants?
As Westminster contemplates the tricky tightrope of balancing safety and democracy, free speech and abuse, the same debates must be held for local government, says Heather Jameson.
Elections are a family affair
Andrew Seekings looks at how Cumbria is preparing for the electoral challenges of local government reorganisation as it plans for next year’s elections to the shadow authorities and beyond.
It’s now or never for modern democracy
The electoral landscape is now ‘more crowded than ever’, while council resources have been ground down, says Laura Lock – and she warns that professionals do not have limitless capacity.
Counties in council tax warning
County leaders have warned council tax bills would have to rise by a fifth over three years to get close to eliminating their deficits.
Bringing on the bad news
Councillors have stopped worrying about unpopular decisions and probably to the surprise of many this has not led to a revolt at the polls, says Blair Mcpherson.
Respect, Standards and Freedom of Expression
In the main, councillors should not fear being disciplined or called to account for their sincerely held views, passionately expressed, says Nick Graham.
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.
The people have spoken
Engaging with the public to gauge local priorities, Newham LBC’s first permanent Citizens’ Assembly saw members get to grips with the issues and offering practical recommendations and a good steer about what really matters. Heather Jameson reports.
Pickles praises mayors during pandemic
Former local government secretary Eric Pickles has admitted he was a ‘late convert’ to the idea of metro mayors.
Call to 'resume democratic control' at Ceredigion
Ceredigion Council’s leader has been urged to ‘resume democratic control’ of the authority.
Photo ID for elections will be even more difficult to 'sell' to the public
The Government now wants to introduce a requirement for photo ID for elections. Paul Shevlin says this will be even more difficult to ‘sell’ to the public than mixed-ID and will need even more resources.
Devolution is back on the table
It's time to continue building strong partnerships across the economic, real-life geographies around which the Government can devolve serious influence on housing, transport, skills, employment, health and much more, says Cllr John Fuller.
System reset required: go to settings
As the APSE Local Government Commission 2030 launches its findings, Paul O’Brien says we need a big bang reset to resolve the issues facing local authorities.
Johnson: Bring your devolution plans to me
Prime Minister Boris Johnson called for local leaders to take their devolution plans to him in a keynote speech from the West Midlands this morning.
Voter ID 'colossal waste of money,' says Labour
Proposals to introduce voter ID are a ‘colossal waste of money,’ Labour has argued.
Newham launches permanent citizens' assembly
Newham LBC is launching the first permanent citizens' assembly in an effort to hand more power to people.
Lockdown lessons
The chasm between the rule-makers and the ruled has been viscerally brought to life by differing attitudes to and experiences of lockdown restrictions, according to Baroness Claire Fox.
COVID concerns prompt council to return to meeting virtually
Cheshire West & Chester Council has threatened to ignore the Government edict to return to face-to-face meetings due to COVID concerns.
Model routes to democracy
Dr Arianna Giovannini says Sheffield voters' decision to reject the strong leader model was a 'victory for democracy'. But Henri Murison rejects the case for committee decision-making while Cllr Tony Page argues for a hybrid approach.
