Time to rethink local flooding solutions
July 30, 2007
Does your local council have the leadership and powers needed to get to grips with the challenge of flooding risk? I believe there are five key changes that need considering by every council leader, chief executive and Government department. Chris Leslie, Yorkshire Post

The governance of Britain
July 9, 2007
“Governing differently” is a theme I think Gordon Brown will warm to over the coming months - positive news for those of us who argue for greater devolution. Chris Leslie, Westminster and Whitehall World

Yorkshire’s new friends in the corridors of power?
July 9, 2007
If we can improve the way we are governed and rejuvenate our democracy, then we will get better decisions on schools, hospitals, criminal justice and job creation. Chris Leslie, Yorkshire Post

Councils’ hold the key to integration
June 22, 2007
Immigration can bring economic, social and cultural benefits to the UK, but only if immigrant communities are integrated and welcomed into our cities, towns and villages. Owen Dallison, Regen and Renewal

A new approach to a new team
June 21, 2007
So how should the local government family greet the new Prime Minister? It is the newness of the top of Government that will provoke the most interesting challenges. Chris Leslie, LGC

Options for bus reform
June 7, 2007
The coming Local Transport Bill could bring a conclusion to the long-running debate about how to provide bus services. James MacGregor, The Transport Times

Doorstep Democracy
June 7, 2007

Chris Leslie, Director Progress Magazine Despite the media’s coverage, local factors played heavily in May’s elections, finds Chris Leslie It is the worry of local councillors throughout the ages: for all their efforts, carefully implemented council policies, casework, surgeries and doorstep campaigning, do the voters take a blind bit of notice when matched with the [...]

Gordon Brown and Local Government
June 1, 2007
Gordon Brown has a chance to have his cake and eat it. He could devolve power and increase strategic control. We cannot know his mind, but we can see the opportunity. Dick Sorabji, Public Finance