governance
Minister ‘minded’ to intervene at Sandwell Council
The Government is considering sending in commissions into Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council due to its failure to ‘resolve a variety of governance issues.’
The truth will set you free
Tim Willis says his hope is that at least most of the time we can stop being prisoners of the truth, and instead own it. ‘We all have to do better’, he adds.
Erosion of honesty is a destroyer of democracy
Heather Jameson says Sheffield City Council was repeatedly asked about the chief executive’s attendance at Westminster parties – and the suggestion was flatly denied. It is 'a sign of the times, a gentle eroding of honesty...'
There's a whiff of purpose once more on devolution
Devolution should rock the status quo and create a new culture of governance which pushes everyone who currently holds decision-making power out of their comfort zones, says deputy chief executive of New Local Jessica Studdert.
A mismatch between motive and facts on voter ID
‘Partygate’ and rule breaking may be a major distraction from electoral proposals that may disenfranchise many voters, according to Stephen Weigel.
Auditor finds 'governance breakdown' over chief's payoff
Pembrokeshire CC must ‘regain public trust’ after Wales’ auditor general detailed a ‘serious breakdown in governance’ over the payoff to former chief executive Ian Westley.
Tackling our next big governance challenge
As the changes that need to be made to local services become more profound, we must involve a wider range of councillors in how to use information about risk. Ed Hammond explains.
Standards: the search for common ground
John Tizard says collaboration within and between sectors will be crucial to ‘building back better’ – but the principles of governance and behaviour should be universal.
Complaints procedures 'marginalised' by councils
Local government ombudsman Michael King has raised concerns about how councils handle complaints.
Take note of the Snooty Fox
In the light of the legal case of the Snooty Fox, Andy Sawford urges that local government areas going through reorganisation carry out an audit of skeletons in the cupboard.
Watchdog calls for regional partnership boards to improve accountability
The accountability of regional partnership boards (RPBs) should be improved, according to Audit Wales.
Embedding a new approach to devolution is critical to county deals success
A report concludes the White Paper on levelling up must include a devolution framework to build on and embed the Government’s county deals ‘principles,’ says James Maker.
Copeland in 'Section 114 territory'
Copeland BC is ‘heading rapidly towards its minimum level of reserves and an expectation internally of issuing a Section 114 notice,’ an external assurance review of the council’s financial position has found.
Bristol to hold mayoral referendum next year
Bristol City Council will hold a referendum in May on whether to keep its 10-year-old mayoral model or switch to a committee system.
Powers warning ahead of new deals
A new report today warns areas reluctant to accept directly-elected leaders in the next wave of devolution deals may be offered ‘fewer powers and flexibilities’.
A commitment to civil debate
Cllr Arooj Shah has been the target of recent threats and harassment. Leaders from all parties in Oldham have now come together to add their signature to a ‘politics, not personalities’ pledge, she explains.
Slough goes back to basics for financial health
There are no quick fixes to Slough’s financial problems, but the council is committed to achieving the improvements residents have every right to expect, says Steve Mair.
Council blocks mayor 'power grab' plan to axe chief's role
Members of Middlesbrough Council have voted to keep their chief executive, blocking a ‘power grab’ proposal from elected mayor Andy Preston.
Helping citizens with the use of predictive analytics
Through good governance and clear, ethical communication around the use of data and AI, we can create more efficient systems that truly benefit people, says Dr Thomas Chalk at Capita.
Do U-turns work?
Boris Johnson performed one of the quickest political U-turns we have ever seen over the Owen Paterson affair, but is this really a good way to do policy, asks Dan Corry.
