Paul Lankester
Paul Lankester is chief executive of Stratford-upon-avon DC
A friend indeed
Paul Lankester argues why districts can't be forgotten if social care services are to join up and budget cuts managed
Getting to know you
Paul Lankester examines how the drive towards devolution deals has affected local partnerships.
Government has mixed message on devolution
Reflecting on recent government documents, the difference in approach is paramount between two of them in terms of devolution.
Combined authorities hot topic at conference
Chief executive of Stratford-upon-Avon DC, Paul Lankester, on how the combined authorities debate is crucial to districts.
Commercially yours
Becoming more commerical is more than a mantra for districts - and requires new skills for members and officers as well as a more mature relationship between Whitehall and town hall, argues Paul Lankester.
University challenged
Paul Lankester recounts the unenviable task of explaining the complexities of local government to a local university of the third age.
Election test
This premise that local government has improved electoral management will be tested on 7 May and it is important for the sector to show once more that it can operate well in a pressurised and testing environment, writes Paul Lankester.
Let's enjoy the bumpy ride
Local government is a great career because there are always new challenges to overcome. So best avoid the distractions, stay focused and tackle the big issues, writes Paul Lankester.
Our day will come again
Really innovative councils will be taking the initiative to make social media a part of ‘future-proofed’ excellent services the public deserve, writes Paul Lankester.
It takes courage to innovate
Most councils are actively pursuing a successful change agenda, but authorities would do well to also share learning from when things go wrong, writes Paul Lankester.
District View - Paul Lankester
Local authority entrepreneurialism is alive and kicking, writes Stratford-on-Avon chief executive.
District view by Paul Lankester
Stratrod-on-Avon chief asks if DCLG's transparency sauce for councils is sauce for the Whitehall gander.
District View by Paul Lankester
Councils must both recruit and nurture innovation, argues Straftford-on-Avon chief executive.
District View by Paul Lankester
As the custodians of place, districts must make the most of the new planning regime, writes Stratford-on-Avon DC chief.
District View by Paul Lankester
Call it Big Data or disrputive thinking, but councils should have the courage to rewire public services their way.
District View by Paul Lankester
The public sector and its costs to taxpayers have long been under the microscope.
Return to spender
Lankester ponders the balance of funding for districts.
The role of local government in the public sector world
What an opportunity councils have to shape the role they play in society, says Paul Lankester.
Local government at the core of modern society
The time for fiefdoms in local authorities has long since passed, says Paul Lankester.
National issues require local government involvement
Appropriate levels of growth must be on all local authorities 'must do' list, says Paul Lankester.