Claire Kober OBE
Growing public awareness is an important step in galvanising action
With a General Election later this year, there’s a clear opportunity to build on the growing public awareness of the problems councils face, says Claire Kober.
You can’t solve ongoing service costs with one-off cash injections
Councils adopted a strategic approach to asset management many years ago; without it they simply wouldn’t have survived the budget reductions that have been imposed, argues Claire Kober.
Local leaders need the tools to implement systemic solutions
Devolution of council tax and business rates, coupled with central Government infrastructure investment to underpin growth, would give local leaders the ability to genuinely invest in their cities’ futures, says Claire Kober.
The sector faces a perfect storm
An overhaul of the improvement and intervention system is long overdue and must urgently take place, says Claire Kober.
Funding reviews don’t help in a crisis
The Government should return to the lessons of the 2008 financial crisis by detaching capital and debt servicing issues from the councils in greatest distress and dealing with them in a bad bank, says Claire Kober.
How to grow a successful coalition
Giving serious consideration to the suitability of potential coalitions is an important step in setting them off on the right foot, says Claire Kober. But how do council chief executives help set the conditions for success, she asks.
Effective politicians are comfortable in their own skin
Good political outcomes are not secured by alpha males exerting brute force and iron willpower, says Claire Kober. 'That might be effective in a singular crisis, but it isn’t sustainable.'
It’s not only our police services that face difficult days ahead
It’s easy to fall into the trap of dismissing the failings of the Metropolitan Police as a policing problem, says Claire Kober. 'But this neglects the growing crisis of trust in our public services and institutions.'
'Othering' is the most troubling aspect of the tragic case of Awaab Ishak
Claire Kober says that in seeking to learn the lessons of Awaab Ishak's death, the housing sector would do well to study the Serious Case Reviews that have followed children’s service failures and draw on the parallels.
Steering our communities through the tough times ahead
It’s time for the sector to make common cause with a familiar Secretary of State and forge a plan, says Claire Kober.
The nation acts locally to mark the passing of our head of state
It is a testament to the commitment of council members and officers alike that the sector has risen to the challenge of supporting the nation through a solemn and historic moment, says Claire Kober.
Capturing moments of national togetherness
What would be a fitting legacy for the Lionesses’ triumph, asks Claire Kober? She puts forward three ideas.
Don't take socially rented homes out of use
Claire Kober says that while home ownership is deeply ingrained in the national psyche, taking socially rented homes out of use is, in her view, not the way to achieve it.
A how to guide for new leaders
After the local elections, Claire Kober offers some tips for new leaders navigating political office for the first time.
The status quo on oversight of councillors' behaviour isn't acceptable
We are concerned by the threats, intimidation and toxic debate that has come to characterise much of our public discourse, yet the Government is shunning an important opportunity to challenge a manifestation of it, says Claire Kober.
For councils the retention challenge is particularly stark
Claire Kober says the chances of a ‘brain drain’ as council staff leave for better pay and prospects (as well as an easier life) in other sectors are undoubtedly real, and she looks at what steps can be taken to mitigate this risk.
Trust matters
Claire Kober says that we 'battle the latest phase of a global pandemic, it matters that we have political messengers who are listened to, believed and respected – and whose words inspire action'.
We need a long term and strategic approach to funding
The Spending Review 'underlines the desperate need for Government to view local government as a critical component of our state infrastructure, performing a serious role, and to fund it as such', says Claire Kober.