governance
Debate Not Hate – the LGA’s call for change
Cllr James Jamieson outlines the LGA’s latest campaign aimed at addressing the level of abuse and intimidation councillors receive on a regular basis.
The biggest event in the local government calendar returns
The sector is poised to gather next week at the LGA Annual Conference. Chairman Cllr James Jamieson says there will be no shortage of topics to discuss, including devolution and the urgent cross-cutting challenge of the cost of living crisis.
Max calls councils out
Former London borough chief Max Caller has carved out a niche for himself as a serial reviewer of failing authorities. He tells Heather Jameson what he has learned – and how councils can avoid collapse.
Councils’ problems are due to culture, not cash
Heather Jameson says Max Caller is clear that the failures he has seen in local government are not due to austerity. 'They are almost always due to a lack of grip on the governance and a failure of speaking truth to power.'
Changing the culture for our councillors
Local authorities need to offer new councillors a welcoming and safe culture that embraces diversity, says Ed Hammond. With an election cycle just complete there’s an ideal chance for engagement and change, he believes.
Examining internal audit's vital role
A new report from CIPFA makes the case for effective and impactful internal audit in the UK public sector and has found that although there are areas where it is working well, there is scope for improvement, says Rob Whiteman.
Councillors ‘undermining’ improvements at Wirral
The actions of members at Wirral MBC are threatening efforts to improve the council’s finances, according to its Independent Assurance Panel.
‘Significant weaknesses’ found by Birmingham audit
A report has revealed ‘significant weaknesses’ in services and a ‘lack of stable leadership’ at Birmingham City Council.
Making space for the big picture
Senior officers and leadership teams find it near impossible to make space away from operational agenda – but Christine McDonald, Dr Rachel Robins and Professor Tony Wall explain why it is critical.
Due diligence matters
Due diligence should not be viewed as a ‘tick box’ exercise, but as a crucial decision-making tool, says Brian Ng. He outlines six considerations he believes are fundamental for councils to consider before making investment or funding decisions.
'Serious breakdown' in senior relationships, report reveals
A scathing review of executive cultures at Thanet DC has concluded that relationships between senior figures have been dysfunctional – at huge cost to local taxpayers.
Leaders to reconsider governance overhaul
Fears have been raised plans to ‘re-establish’ the West of England joint committee could put £600m of funding at risk.
Government must rethink its approach to poor governance and behaviour in councils
Solace supports all of the Committee on Standards in Public Life report's recommendations on standards in local government, but without Government action on sanctions this will never gain the traction required, says Graeme McDonald.
Council held decade-long contract with dormant firm
Grant Thornton said it exposed a ‘significant weakness’ in Herefordshire Council’s contract management in its report on the council’s 2020-21 accounts.
Nottingham expected to bring housing back under direct control after probes
Nottingham City Council is expected to bring its housing back under direct control after two independent probes found ‘underlying issues around governance and finance’.
Chief warns leaders over governance overhaul
A chief executive has warned council leaders a proposed governance overhaul will put £600m of Government funding at risk.
Mayor's meetings with contractors breached constitution
Meetings between Middlesbrough’s Mayor and contractors over the council’s flagship regeneration project were against the council’s constitution, internal auditors have found.
Peer challenge criticises councillor infighting
Councillors at Windsor & Maidenhead BC are ‘showing the council in a poor light’ according to a corporate peer challenge.
Liverpool launches consultation to scrap mayor
Liverpool City Council has launched a three month consultation that could lead to the abolition of its elected mayor post.
The Government’s response on standards is a missed opportunity
The Government’s long-delayed response to the Committee on Standards in Public Life review of local government ethical standards falls short of what is required to improve governance, says Mark Greenburgh.