Will the local government landscape in England look much different after LGR? How exactly will it save councils money? What impact will there be on elections? LGIU Chief Executive Jonathan Carr-West and Principal Researcher Greg Stride dig into the final proposals produced by DPP areas last month and answer these and other questions sent in by LGIU members.Chapter markers:01:23 – Q1: How different will the landscape of local government look after LGR?06:38 – Q2: How exactly will LGR save councils’ money?08:35 – Q3: Where is public service reform in LGR?12:29 – Q4: What impact will the reduction of councillors have on local democracy?17:44 – Q5: What do the public think about LGR?21:55 – Q6: How likely are the deadlines to still be met as planned?23:20 – Q7: What will happen to councils that do not submit proposals?27:36 – Q8: What impact will LGR have on elections?30:32 – Q9: What’s your advice for non-DPP areas and central government regarding the decisions ahead?
As part of our interview series for Future Local Lab, LGIU’s Dr. Greg Stride interviews Claudia Chwalisz, founder and CEO of Democracy Next, about the role of citizens' assemblies in enhancing democracy. Claudia shares her journey into democracy advocacy, the principles of citizens' assemblies, their impact on local governance, and her deliberative vision for the future.She discusses the evolution of these assemblies, particularly in Paris, and addresses the challenges and opposition they face. The conversation also touches on the warning signs of troubled democracies, the importance of sortition in encouraging participation, and the potential of technology to improve democratic processes. Claudia envisions a future where deliberative practices become the norm in various institutions, fostering greater civic engagement and trust in democracy. Watch/listen/read below for an engaging discussion about innovative democracy in action.Claudia Chwalisz is one of LGIU’s top 25 thinkers in local government make sure you check out the rest of the list.
In this fireside chat, Jonathan Carr-West interviews Justin Galliford, CEO of Norse Group, discussing the role of Local Authority Trading Companies (LATCOs) in the UK local government landscape.They explore the challenges faced by councils, the implications of local government reorganisation, and the importance of values-driven service delivery. Justin shares insights on partnership models and his future vision for public services, emphasising the need for collaboration and a focus on social value.01:56 – What is a Local Authority Trading Company (LATCo)?04:08 – Current challenges for local authorities’ delivery models07:26 – The impact of local government reorganisation and devolution10:03 – Supporting new unitary authorities12:23 – The future of local government services14:28 – Values-driven service delivery at Norse17:56 – The partnership model in practice20:50 – Long-term vision for public services23:07 – Barriers to a preventive public service ecosystem24:44 – Hopes for the future of local government
As part of our new interview series for Future Local Lab, we sat down with Dominic Campbell, a highly accomplished public service entrepreneur and thought leader with extensive experience driving organisational change and digital transformation across the UK, US and Australia.Dominic has held various leadership roles, including founding and previously leading FutureGov, a consultancy focused on bringing digital and design into government development. Dominic is currently a partner at Impossible Ideas, a public service venture studio that focuses on investing in and inventing solutions to organisational challenges for the future of the public service sector. His impressive experience and dedication to public service innovation are exactly why we were excited to sit down with him to talk about transformation, technology and the future of local government.Dominic Campbell is one of LGIU’s top 25 thinkers in local government make sure you check out the rest of the list.
As part of our new interview series for Future Local Lab, we interviewed Mary Agostino, the newly appointed CEO of Mitchell Shire Council and one of our top 25 thinkers, about her extensive experience supporting Melbourne's growth corridors. Mary's insights on local government leadership and building resilient communities are a must-read/watch/listen. Learn from a visionary leader dedicated to shaping a sustainable future.Mary Agostino is one of LGIU’s top 25 thinkers in local government. Make sure you check out the rest of the list.1:49 Mary Agostino’s journey into local government4:07 Leadership during crises: bushfires and covid-197:35 Planning for the future14:21 Building resilient communities in growth areas18:20 Balancing the needs of established and emerging communities19:57 Championing growth and self-determined communities26:56 Advocating community needs for long-term growth32:57 Future challenges for local government leaders
As part of our global interview series for Future Local Lab, LGIU’s Andrew Walker sat down with Dara Turnbull, Research Coordinator at Housing Europe, to discuss his current specialism in social and affordable housing and economic inequality and what the trends and predictions are for the future of housing. This conversation covers a wide range of crucial issues, from the evolution of demographic trends to best practices across European nations and the implications of big data gaps for providing accurate insights. We also dig into what the appointment of a new Housing Commissioner for the EU means for this key policy area and how housing provisions in the future will have to adjust to meet demand.Dara Turnbull is one of LGIU’s top 25 thinkers in local government make sure you check out the rest of the list.
As part of our new interview series for Future Local Lab, LGIU’s Head of Content, Freya Millard, sat down with Professor Lucy Easthope, a leading authority in emergency planning and disaster recovery. For over two decades, she has been at the forefront of the profession and involved in the biggest world-shaping disasters, from 9/11 to Covid-19, and many more that fall under and off the radar – but not for Lucy and her comrades in the hidden world of emergency planning.In this thought-provoking discussion, Lucy shares her invaluable advice and expertise in helping local government and their communities recover and rebuild after disaster. We dig into the misconceptions of local emergency planning, the pertinent issues that infiltrate the sector, and the practicalities of how local government can work to improve citizen preparedness and resilience in the face of adversity, both now and in the future.02:00 – The role of emergency planners04:30 – Misconceptions and realities of local emergency planning10:45 – The concept of secondary disasters and bad help15:02 – Community preparedness and public involvement23:16 – The value of planning and protecting the plan25:57 – The cost of gender bias in emergency planning31:49 – Tackling cultural incompetency in emergency response35:22 – Walking the slow road of recovery41:16 – Learning to live alongside risk and disaster46:50 – Rebuilding the fabric of our society post-pandemic53:07 – Reflections and key adviceExclusive to LGIU members, join us for our upcoming Ask the Expert event with Lucy Easthope (Wednesday, 9th April, 10am BST). Here is your chance to ask Lucy your very own questions. Book your place.
LGIU's Head of Research, Dr Andrew Walker, talks to Dr Kevin Muldoon Smith about systems of local government finance and governance around the world. Dr Muldoon-Smith is an Associate Professor in Strategic Public Sector Finance and Urban Adaptation at Northumbria University and is working with LGIU's Local Democracy Research Centre on an international comparison project exploring different systems of funding.00:00 - Introduction02:10 - Short introduction to Kevin's career and work on local government governance and finance issues04:29 - Built environment - the nexus of policy, politics and power07:19 - LGIU's international local government finance project, a summary of what we know about different systems and how those structures help local government respond to the big global challenges15:27 - What does it take to enable change to take place in an existing system19:43 - The LGIU's upcoming paper on the local government finance system in Australia25:35 - What do the different systems around the world mean for the experiences of residents and local government staff30:15 - The role for academics and think tanks in promoting the argument for change
As part of our new interview series for Future Local Lab, LGIU’s Chief Executive Jonathan Carr-West sat down with Professor Donna Hall to discuss her impressive career, what it takes to transform local government for the future and the courage needed in local leadership right now to get the ball rolling.2:16 Donna Halls' journey into local government3:54 The Wigan Deal: The inspiration behind it6:45 A new approach: Person-centric public services10:01 The challenges of implementing innovative practices14:13 Courageous local leadership for the future18:41 Building trust and community empowerment21:54 The future of local government30:11 Final reflections
This week co-hosts Simone and Freya are discussing what it takes to be a councillor, the expectations, the risks, the rewards, and everything in between. They share snippets and insights from first-hand accounts gained from recent interviews with Cllr Award 2023 winners along with councillors from all over the world. Plus, Cllr Euan Jardine from Scotland and Cllr Jim Magee from Australia provide their own great advice for new councillors embarking on this career path. In the news segment, the stories include the world's biggest animal crossing, new art installations and smart tyre pumps. Add to your calendar the following events and training: Local government finance essentials Roundtable: Exploring innovative approaches for tackling climate action Show notes: Be sure to subscribe to our weekly Global Local newsletter and join our international community of local government professionals and local democracy advocates. International local government news 11.06.24 Cllr Awards 2023: stories from the winners For even more local government resources, visit lgiu.org
This week, co-hosts Simone and Freya are discussing elections! They cover the aftermath of the English local elections, the campaign for equality in Ireland's upcoming local elections, and, of course, the big announcement of the UK general election on July 4th and what it means for local government. Joining them to get into all the details is LGIU's resident election expert, Dr Greg Stride. In the news segment, the stories include eco-friendly travel tourism cards, wind phones and advertisement-free metro stations. Some upcoming topics to look out for on the LGIU website include ethical procurement and how AI can improve regulatory duties. Add to your calendar the following events and training: Social media essentials Nominate a Cllr for Cllr Awards 2024 Show notes: Be sure to subscribe to our weekly Global Local newsletter and join our international community of local government professionals and local democracy advocates. International local government news 22.05.24 First 100 days to save local government: General Election 2024 Why we get the wrong politicians by Isabel Hardman For even more local government resources, visit lgiu.org
In this new episode, co-hosts Simone and Freya discuss the LGIU's Global Local newsletter, from its beginnings to how it's grown, and what it represents as part of LGIU's vision for the future of local government everywhere. In the news segment, the stories include innovation using old tyres in road construction, modernising processes with digital credential services and affordable balcony solar panel schemes. Some upcoming topics to look out for on the LGIU website include the evolving role of modern fathers, combating depopulation issues and ethical procurement. Add to your calendar the following events and training: Live Q&A Event – Improving Community Wellbeing: A Practical Guide for Local Government Preparing reports for committees and cabinet Newly elected councillor essentials Show notes: Be sure to subscribe to our weekly Global Local newsletter and join our international community of local government professionals and local democracy advocates. International local government news 08.05.24 For even more local government resources, visit lgiu.org
In this new episode, co-hosts Simone and Freya discuss the LGIU's Global Local Executive Panel series. They are joined by Head of International Operations, Hannah Muirhead, to talk about the panel series' inception back during Covid, the overwhelmingly positive response it has received over the years, and the future ambitions for the panels. In the news segment, stories of garbage cafes, chatbots to help decision making during elections, and road infrastructure improvements. Some upcoming topics to look out for on the LGIU website, include sustainable and affordable housing, the evolving role of fathers and depopulation. Be sure to sign up for the next Global Local Executive Panel on sustainable and affordable housing, and check out our upcoming training session on social media skills. Show notes: Global Local Executive Panels What's happening in the world of local government this week Everyone can subscribe to our weekly Global Local newsletter to stay in the loop with LGIU Social media essentials training For even more local government resources, visit lgiu.org
In this new episode, co-hosts Simone and Freya discuss all things local elections. Dr Andrew Walker joins them to chat about the release of LGIU's highly anticipated Ones to Watch guide for elections in England, which highlights some of the biggest battlegrounds to watch out for. Plus, the team chats about the value and importance of participating in local elections and why they matter. In the news segment, stories of AI tools to help clean up streets, effective anti-pollution programmes and proposed reforms to gag disorderly councillors at meetings. Some upcoming topics to look out for from LGIU, include the modern role of libraries, the behind-the-scenes of running elections and the future of sustainable and affordable housing. And, the must-attend event for all interested in local elections – and democracy as a whole – is our upcoming State of the Locals panel discussion! Show notes: England Local Elections: Ones to Watch guide 2024 The Local Democracy Research Centre LGIU@40 For the Future of Local Government Manifesto What's happening in the world of local government this week Everyone can subscribe to our weekly Global Local newsletter to stay in the loop with LGIU State of the Locals event Interview with community champion: Cllr Hannah Perkins Nominate a councillor for Cllr Awards 2024 For even more local government resources, visit lgiu.org
In this new episode, co-hosts Simone and Freya shine the spotlight on the LGIU's Local Democracy Research Centre. Joining them to share all the details about the Centre's inception, current work and future ambitions is Dr. Andrew Walker and Dr. Greg Stride. From passion projects to the practical application of research in the local government sector, the LDRC really has carved a space for itself in a very short amount of time. In the news segment, stories of reducing waste, addressing homelessness and encouraging healthier modes of transport are shared. Plus, some upcoming topics to look out for from LGIU, including the eco-system of health and fast fashion, and some great training sessions on organisational development and report writing. Find out what’s new at LGIU at lgiu.org – the Local Government Information Unit. We are a non-partisan, non-profit organisation for local government and anyone interested in local democracy. Show notes: The Local Democracy Research Centre What's happening in the world of local government this week? Everyone can subscribe to our weekly Global Local newsletter to stay in the loop with LGIU Training on organisational development Session on how to write an impactful policy briefing/report for decision For even more local government resources, visit lgiu.org
In this episode of “What’s New at LGIU”, co-hosts Simone and Freya discuss the launch of the annual Cllr Awards, celebrating the hard work of councillors who are advocating for and making a big impact on their communities. Simone shares details about the nomination process, the five award categories, and past winners. They also talk about the Global Local Showcase, which celebrates innovative and impactful local government practices from around the world. Listeners also get to hear from previous Cllr Award winners who share their experience of the event. In the news segment, Simone and Freya discuss some of the latest stories from local government around the world, including some innovative citizen science to help fish reproduce; a campaign to improve equality in local representation; and a brand-new toilet tour for tourists! Find out what’s new at LGIU at lgiu.org – the Local Government Information Unit. We are a non-partisan, non-profit organisation for local government and anyone interested in local democracy. Show notes: Click here for all things Cllr Awards and to nominate a councillor. Find out more about the Global Local Showcase here. What's happening in the world of local government this week? Everyone can subscribe to our weekly Global Local newsletter to stay in the loop with LGIU Resilient communities make resilient champions – An interview with Heather Woodbridge Global Local Executive Panel: Increasing gender equity in local government Practical project management training session For even more local government resources, visit lgiu.org
This week, the big story at LGIU is the results of our 2024 State of Local Government Finance survey in England, which has gained vast attention across the sector and the media. Joining the podcast to tell us all about the surprising results and the wider response so far is Dr Greg Stride, from the LGIU's Local Democracy Research Centre. During our chat, we introduced a new game called 'six degrees of local government'. Greg faces the challenge of linking the word 'coincidence' back to local government in six connections or less – did he do it? Listen to find out! We also spotlight three great stories from the world of local government this week and highlight some of the exciting topics and events coming up at LGIU! Find out what’s new at LGIU – the Local Government Information Unit. We are a non-partisan, non-profit organisation for local government and anyone interested in local democracy. Show notes: Results from the State of Local Government Finance in England 2024 To chat with Greg about the results of the survey, email him at greg.stride@lgiu.org Story mentioned about Southwark Council community fundraising Scrutiny training session Personal safety session What's happening in the world of local government this week? Everyone can subscribe to our weekly Global Local newsletter to stay in the loop with LGIU For even more local government resources, visit lgiu.org
What’s new at LGIU – the Local Government Information Unit. We are a non-partisan, non-profit organisation for local government and anyone interested in local democracy. This week, the big story at LGIU is the launch of the State of Local Government Finance in England survey. The man behind it this year, Dr Greg Stride from the LGIU's Local Democracy Research Centre, joins the podcast to share more about the survey aims and his predictions for what the results might reveal. If you're an LGIU member, you can ask Greg your own questions at our upcoming member-exclusive Ask the Expert event. We also spotlight three great stories from the world of local government this week and some of the exciting topics and events coming up at LGIU! Show notes: Ask the Expert: The state of local government finance in England Strategic thinking training session What's happening in the world of local government this week? Everyone can subscribe to our weekly Global Local newsletter to stay in the loop with LGIU
In this Global Local Podcast episode, your host, Freya Millard, chats with Dr. Beth Heidelberg from Minnesota State University, Mankato, to discuss her very niche specialism exploring local government's relationship to the dark tourism industry. Providing insightful case study analysis from her own field research of US dark tourism hotspots like Salem, Clear Lake, Holcombe and Amityville. Be sure to check out our full Global Local newsletter on the underexplored relationship between local government and dark tourism at lgiu.org – Coming October 31st, subscribe for FREE today! Other links mentioned in the show: Beth's feature for LGIU on 10 key lessons of dark tourism from Salem (Link goes live on October 31st and will be included in the newsletter – subscribe to not miss it!) Managing ghosts: exploring local government's involvement in dark tourism research by Prof. Beth Heidelberg Not fade away: a case study of Clear Lake, Iowa and municipal involvement in dark tourism research by Prof. Beth Heidelberg For more information on Global Local and to quickly sign up to receive our newsletter every week for FREE, visit here!
For this episode of the Global Local podcast, LGIU's Freya Millard chats with Elke Weissmann and Belinda Tyrrell from Edgehill University about their recent project on using citizen assemblies to address climate change on a local level. The project examines the motivators and communication needed to encourage citizens to invest in tackling the impact of climate change in their local area. More information on Global Local and how to sign to the FREE newsletter!