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Articles by LGIU Associate
Rebuilding trust and improving democratic engagement for the future: innovation and inspiration examples
Democracy, at its core, relies on citizens engaging with politics, but many democracies around the world have declining levels of political trust and satisfaction with the political system. In the UK, data from the British Election Study Internet Panel revealed that the proportion of those saying that they have “no trust” in politicians increased from 16% in 2015 to 35% just before the general election in 2024.
Future local leadership, challenges, and solutions: An Interview with Alicia McKay, Author of Local Legends
As part of LGIU’s Future Local Lab, we had the pleasure of interviewing Alicia McKay, strategy, change and leadership expert, and author of the book, Local Legends: How to make a difference in local government. In this interview, Alicia shares her views on the big trends affecting the future of local leadership and what local leaders can do today to be more effective and get ready.
From trainee to chief executive: in conversation with the head of Derby City Council
In this interview, Derby City Council Chief Executive Paul Simpson talks about his journey from trainee accountant to his current role, as well as his leadership style and the partnerships that continue to attract major employers to Derby. After falling into a career in accounting as a trainee at Derby City Council in the 1990s, Paul Simpson has come full circle to take on the role of Chief Executive at the council he once studied at. “I got A-levels in politics and economics.
Improving public services: In conversation with Nillumbik Shire Council CEO Carl Cowie
In this interview, Carl Cowie, CEO of Nillumbik Shire Council in Victoria, Australia, shares insights from his career in the public sector. Emphasising the importance of treating residents as shareholders in the council and offering them the best possible service. Carl Cowie didn’t begin his career in the public sector. But the shift from working in the private sector financial services has proved effective, with customer satisfaction at Nillumbik Shire Council at a 15 year high.
What's the point of twinning towns and cities?
You’ll often see a proud sign telling you where a place is twinned with as you head in, ‘Welcome to Dull, Perthshire. Paired with Boring, Oregon, USA’. Perth and Kinross Council estimate that Dull with a population of 85, brings in about 60,000 visitors a year – with a fair number of visitors coming from Boring, and another twinned town Bland in New South Wales, Australia.
An interview with Galway County Council Chief Executive Liam Conneally
Liam Conneally, Galway County Council’s Chief Executive, gives his thoughts on his council’s priorities over the upcoming year and the future of local government in Ireland. Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council in the Northern and Western Region of Ireland, is passionate about his work and community. “Galway is a great location,” he stresses. “My children are in college here, and they would agree with me: as a place to live and study, it’s fantastic.
Taste Cumbria Food Festival: Boosting local economy and showcasing regional talent
The Taste Cumbria food festival, initiated in 2010 to revitalise Cockermouth post-floods, has significantly grown. This case study explores how the council has leveraged local businesses and tourism to showcase Cumbrian culture. Expanding across towns, the festival boosts the economy, with the 2022 event in Cockermouth generating almost £2m. Future plans include further expansion, emphasising community and economic development.
Reflecting on 35 years of public service: Cllr Ian Wingfield's journey in Southwark Council
In this interview, Ian Wingfield, the London Borough of Southwark’s longest-serving councillor, reflects on 35 years in local government and the demands and rewards of his post. This year sees Ian Wingfield mark 35 years of serving his community as a councillor.
Cottonmill Cycling Centre in St Albans: How a collaborative project revolutionised local facilities
In this article, Cllr Emma Matanle provides the granular details surrounding a successful resident-driven initiative to develop a new community centre in Sopwell, St Alban’s greenbelt site. This project not only revitalises a green space but unites a diverse community, offering something for everyone – from sports facilities to cultural spaces. Dive into a story of resilience, innovation, and inclusivity.
How can local government better support fathers?
The Fatherhood Institute is a UK charity that works to build a society which prepares, respects and assists men as involved fathers and caregivers. We spoke to Dr Jeremy Davies, Deputy CEO, about the organisation’s work and how local authorities can help participate in the agenda to integrate fathers better into their role across family life and education. We’re a charity that supports paternal caregiving.
What is the best way to balance sustainability and affordability? An interview with the World Green Building Council
In this article, the World Green Building Council – self-titled the largest local-regional-global action network working to accelerate sustainability in the built environment – provides tips and guidance to local government on achieving sustainability and affordability in housing development. What is the best way to balance sustainability and affordability? A truly sustainable building should be affordable, including both upfront and running costs, to ensure social accessibility and equity.
Net zero neighbourhoods: Innovative investment at the local level to transform urban living
We chatted with Rufus Grantham, the visionary behind net-zero neighbourhoods and Global Head of Retrofit and Built Environment at Bankers without Boundaries – aiming to revolutionise 100 European cities by 2030. Transitioning from finance to sustainability, Rufus innovated a model blending private finance with urban retrofitting and suggests that community-wide approaches led by local government are key to sustainable transformation and reaching net zero goals.
Changing the world around her: Connie Nolan’s dedication to supporting ukrainian refugees
Connie Nolan, who represents Canterbury City Council’s Barton ward in Kent, discusses her work to support local Ukrainian refugees, which earned her the title of Resilience Champion in the LGIU & CCLA Cllr Awards 2023. Two years on from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, examples of related data make for harrowing reading.
Fighting for diversity and representation in local government: Cllr Hannah Perkin's Story
In this interview, Hannah Perkin, named Community Champion in the LGIU & CCLA Cllr Awards for 2023, discusses her route into politics and the impact of her work in the Borough of Swale in Kent. Sometimes, it is an issue close to the heart that prompts someone to get into politics. For Hannah Perkin, Liberal Democrat councillor for Faversham’s Abbey ward with Swale Borough Council in Kent, it was the threatened closure of a children’s centre where she was working in 2013.
What is the health and social care ecosystem?
The existence of the UK’s NHS and “single-payer” medicare programmes like the ones in Canada and Australia might suggest to the layperson that healthcare is essentially a rationally ordered system. You have a medical problem; you go to your GP or A&E; they treat you or send you to a specialist; you’re cured, the government foots the bill from taxpayer money, and everybody’s happy. The reality is much messier.
Solving problems and making lives easier: Young Councillor of the Year, Dan Hutchison
In this interview, Dan Hutchison, winner of Young Councillor of the Year in the LGIU Scotland & CCLA Cllr Awards 2023, discusses his journey into politics and his work as a councillor for Govan in Glasgow. At the age of 20, Dan Hutchison was the assistant manager of a restaurant in the city centre of Glasgow. He enjoyed the work, and the restaurant itself was impressively organised. However, there was a problem: the way he was being treated was well below par.
In conversation with Glasgow Executive Director of Education Services, Douglas Hutchison
In this interview, Douglas Hutchison, Executive Director of Education Services at Glasgow City Council, gives an insight into the work of his department and the challenges it faces going forward. His remit might be Glasgow, but Douglas Hutchison has compelling views on the Scottish education system as a whole.
From food market to community cohesion: Saqlain Choudry’s inspiring work in local politics
We sat down to talk to Cllr Saqlain Choudry, winner of LGIU’s 2023 Young Councillor of the Year award, about the work he has been involved in at Brent Council, motivations for getting into local politics and the day-to-day realities of being a young Councillor. Saqlain’s passion for his community and for local government shines through in this interview, and in the projects he has been involved in at Brent Council.
From multiplex to cosy screens: A case study of local cinema resilience amidst post-covid challenges
Graves (Cumberland) Ltd is a family-owned cinema company with a long-standing history of almost 90 years in the Cumbria region. The company has seen its fair share of ups and downs, but none quite as challenging as the past couple of years. The Covid-19 pandemic hit the cinema industry hard, and Graves (Cumberland) Ltd was no exception. The company’s Managing Director, Daryl Davidson, recalls that it was a dark time for the industry, with many cinemas struggling to stay afloat.
Flying the flags: How Liverpool City Council helped host the Eurovision Song Contest
Liverpool City Council’s Claire McColgan, Director of Culture, and Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, discuss Liverpool’s hosting of Eurovision 2023 and the involvement of the city council. It highlights the significance of the Eurovision Song Contest as a major television programme and its impact on local economies. It’s safe to say that media and entertainment represent big business.
Friends or foes? Reconciliation within local government
This article spotlights the tension and progression of Toronto’s local government over the past few years as party rivals become partners in spearheading local initiatives for the wider community. What’s that old saying again? Keep your friends close… This case study illuminates why local government should lead by example in a time of increasing polarisation. Perhaps working together and finding a middle ground may offer the best outcome for all.
Friends or foes? Striving for reconciliation within local government
This article spotlights the tension and progression of Toronto’s local government over the past few years as party rivals become partners in spearheading local initiatives for the wider community. What’s that old saying again? Keep your friends close… This case study illuminates why local government should lead by example in a time of increasing polarisation. Perhaps working together and finding a middle ground may offer the best outcome for all.
What is reunification in children's social care? And how to improve the outcome
This article explains what reunification is and why it’s important. It highlights the potential and problems associated with reunification and provides research-led recommendations for local authorities to improve reunification practices. The overall goal is to promote stable reunifications, reduce the number of children requiring child protection interventions, and make better use of local data to refine practice.
A glimpse into Nordic obesity policies
Obesity stands not only as a national but also an international health concern affecting an increasing number of people worldwide. Despite the welfare state status of the Nordic countries, they, too, grapple with ever-rising obesity levels. This article aims to shed light on some of the obesity policies and actions implemented in the Nordics. Of the Nordic nations, Finns are experiencing the biggest struggle with obesity, with 27% of adult men and 30% of women grappling with a BMI of over 30.
Intergenerational care home project: how everyone can make a difference
In this interview, we speak to teacher Yvonne Walker and others involved in an inspiring intergenerational partnership between Crosslet House – a care home for older people run by West Dunbartonshire Council and the nearby Braehead Primary School. Both are located in the town of Dumbarton in Scotland, with their collaborative work offering benefits for participants and the local community, as well as those further afield.
Public health 101: the FAQ
This explainer highlights the importance of public health services in tackling deep-seated health inequalities in the UK. It outlines the level of spending and pressures public health services have been under and how councils can manage and promote public health initiatives. In addition, it explores the importance of partnership working with services like the NHS along with integrating public health into primary care.
Housing is key to tackling poverty in the travelling community
It’s no secret that poverty, especially in the current cost of living crisis, affects a wide range of communities. The Gypsy and Traveller community is no exception. While researching for my latest LGIU briefing, –––– (available only to LGIU members or Global Local subscribers), I found that the effect of poverty on the Gypsy and Travellers community can be seen in rates of declining health and wellbeing and increasing mortality that are significantly worse than for the general population.
Child’s play: what can be learned from Denmark’s innovative playgrounds?
As the country that brought LEGO to the masses, it is perhaps no surprise that Denmark is something of a leader when it comes to innovative places to play. We examine the role that Danish local government have in the creation and maintenance of the nation’s intriguing playgrounds. If you were looking for a country in which to raise a child, you could do a lot worse than Denmark: Ranked as one of the richest countries in the world in terms of GDP per capita.
Play in everyday life: how can we reimagine the places we live to be more playful?
Introduction What comes to mind when we think of “play”? Is play something that only children engage in, or can adults play, and be playful, too? As there are a myriad of physical, cognitive, emotional, and social benefits of play for children, why don’t more adults engage in play? Should we consider it to be at the forefront of how we design and make the places we live? The benefits of play for all ages Play is, in essence, something that is fun and enjoyable for all ages.
Councils on notice: does a section 114 mean bankruptcy for local government?
Liberal Democrat councillors knew that Woking was in a precarious financial position before they took control of the local authority in May 2022. But it was only when they began examining the books in detail that they discovered how heavily the council was in debt and the level of savings needed. “Things were noticeably worse than we expected,” says deputy leader Will Forster. Just over a year later, Woking became the sixth council since 2020 to issue a section 114 notice.
Basic income: Trials and barriers
Intro Basic Income—an unconditional financial transfer from states to citizens—is a radical idea with a long history and a lot of currency in a world confronting structural issues in the welfare state and the economy. If implemented, it would be revolutionary.
The problems caused by the Local Housing Allowance freeze
Bookmark Please login to bookmark Username or Email Address Password Remember Me Brief background The Local Housing Allowance (LHA) freeze has caused severe problems for nearly 2 million private rented sector tenants. LHA is not a separate benefit, the rate affects how much help a tenant will get when renting from a private landlord.
What is a circular economy and what can local government to support growth?
Home > What is a circular economy and what can local government to support growth? Global Climate action and sustainable development, Economy and regeneration By Bookmark Please login to bookmark Username or Email Address Password Remember Me Photo by Matt Seymour on Unsplash This article explores the purpose of a circular economy and how it can be used to put an end to the current ‘take-make-waste’ global economic system that is unsustainable.
Trauma-informed services: Context and benefits
Home > Trauma-informed services: Context and benefits England & Wales Communities and society, Health and social care By Bookmark Please login to bookmark Username or Email Address Password Remember Me The growth of in health and social care has evolved rapidly in the last several years and is now being effectively integrated into services and support structures globally.
Municipal experiences of water conservation in Spain
Home > Municipal experiences of water conservation in Spain Global Climate action and sustainable development By Bookmark Please login to bookmark Username or Email Address Password Remember Me Water conservation is a critical issue for life and for sustainable development. In recent years, Spain has become one of the most water-stressed industrialised countries in the world.
In conversation with Eleni Myrivili, Chief Heat Officer for the City of Athens
Home > In conversation with Eleni Myrivili, Chief Heat Officer for the City of Athens Global By Bookmark Please login to bookmark Username or Email Address Password Remember Me Photo by Spencer Davis on Unsplash Introduce yourself and your role I am Eleni Myrivili and I’m the Chief Heat Officer for Athens. I also work as a senior advisor for the Arhst Rock Resilience Center of the Atlantic Council and the Armstrong Resilience Center, which is based in Washington.
Fibre force: how councils bring faster broadband to rural areas
While life in Devon has many attractions, fast and reliable internet is not one of them. Some of the county enjoys superfast connections in the same way as other parts of the UK. But in remote spots, including picturesque towns and villages, broadband tends to quickly hit the buffers Ten years ago, Devon County Council joined forces with neighbouring authorities to tackle the problem and bring more homes and businesses up to speed.
Community wealth building - does it exist in Finnish?
This headline might seem misspelt, but it is not. While researching for the ‘Finland: an individualistic welfare state public sector reform and community wealth building‘ briefing, I came across an interesting issue. No matter what word combinations or phrases I used, it seemed that on the surface, there was no translation for Community Wealth Building (CWB) in Finnish.
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