Local government

Scots’ skills shortage

18 May 2012 | Don Peebles

New councillors in Scotland lack the skills to make the financial decisions that are necessary in a climate of local government austerity. Training is vital if we are to ensure the best outcomes for residents and citizens Read more

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Emergency exit

16 May 2012 | Andrew Jepp

Both town halls and Whitehall need to establish effective exit strategies should their suppliers go bust. Service delivery can be outsourced, but responsibility for it cannot Read more

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After May 3: the democratic deficit

14 May 2012 | John Tizard

The low turnout on May 3 highlighted the urgent need for democratic renewal, at both local and national level. And that means more than just technical solutions Read more

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What a performance

11 May 2012 | Barry Quirk

With more than 20 years of management experience, Lewisham Council’s chief executive has seen it all when it comes to justifications for poor service performance. Here he offers his top ten explanations and excuses Read more

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Queen’s Speech: Don’t forget local government

9 May 2012 | Andy Sawford

The Communities department was missing in action today as the Queen outlined the coalition’s priorities for the year ahead. Local government ministers need to get more involved and press for amendments to a number of the Bills Read more

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Mayoral mistakes

4 May 2012 | Alexandra Jones

The government has missed a vital opportunity to convince voters that elected mayors could make a difference by not spelling out in advance the powers that they would have Read more

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Local elections: the turnout trauma

4 May 2012 | John Tizard

The low turnout in yesterday’s local elections has to be a wake-up call to politicians. We have to understand why people chose not to vote and ask some serious questions about the future shape of local democracy Read more

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Councils can lead green deal

2 May 2012 | Paul O'Brien

The government has gone cool on green issues. Whitehall must do more to support council initiatives Read more

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Counting the cost of capital cuts

1 May 2012 | Mark Luntley

Cutting infrastructure spending is not a long-term solution to our financial problems. It simply replaces a visible financial deficit with a hidden maintenance backlog Read more

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Bonus that doesn’t fit the bill

1 May 2012 | Nick Raynsford

There’s something wrong with the New Homes Bonus, not least that it isn’t stimulating much actual new house building. An urgent review is needed Read more

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