Warren Hatter, Head of Research, NLGN eGov Monitor Since 1997, we have got used to the idea that “It’s all about delivery”. Informing the development of e-government, this focus has been at the expense of other aspects of the agenda From now on, the perspective needs to be broader; and the wide range of ‘priority [...]

Gerry Stoker, NLGN Trustee & University of Manchester Public Servant The proudest boast of local government in the UK today is that it is better run than it was when Labour first came to office in 1997. Current scores in the Comprehensive Performance Assessment tables show that most of local government is managed by able [...]

Ian Parker, Head of Strategic Communications, NLGN Local Government Chronicle If recent media coverage is anything to go by, I seem to be unique among thirtysomethings in never having been a Dr Who obsessive. Sure I remember the hey-day of Tom Baker, and yes I maybe once dived behind a sofa when the daleks appeared. [...]

Helen Randall, Chair, NLGN and Partner, Trowers & Hamlins Guardian PUBLIC The legitimacy of including environmental and social considerations in the government’s purchasing decisions has recently assumed greater importance. The United Kingdom now has presidency of the G8 and is seeking to encourage compliance with the Kyoto protocol and to promote sustainable development defined as [...]

Anna Randle, Head of Policy, NLGN Local Government Chronicle As I arrive in Birmingham for the third and final month of the Localism Project, I am feeling apprehensive. Yes, I have two months of researching localism in practice behind me, in West Sussex and Wakefield. I have adjusted to living in strange places, finding my [...]

Natalie Tarry, Research Officer, NLGN Municipal Journal Public Private Partnerships are a well-rehearsed topic in the local government world and nothing splits people’s opinions more than the involvement of the private sector in public service delivery. However, these partnerships have been around for a while and the world they exist in has changed somewhat since [...]

Natalie Tarry, Research Officer, NLGN Public Servant Local government modernisation is an ongoing process with local authorities continually faced with new challenges. Many councils are responding imaginatively to the emerging agendas and have great stories to tell. They use partnerships to help them on their way and work closely with the private, public and voluntary [...]

Anna Randle, Head of Policy, NLGN Local Government Chronicle The localism odyssey continues. Fresh from a month researching localism on the frontline in West Sussex, I arrive in Wakefield for my second case study. I am rather looking forward to a month in Wakefield. After my experience in West Sussex, I am armed with more [...]