Inadequate investment into public infrastructure could lead to a decline in growth and hamper the modernisation of public services. This report sets out how local councils could raise alternative forms of infrastructure investment in a scenario where the Treasury begins to clamp down on capital expenditure.

A new NLGN essay collection brings together contributions from a group of leading Conservative politicians offering new ideas on democratic accountability, financial reform, business support and partnership working.

NLGN analysed Conservative proposals for the local state as set out in their Control Shift paper.

In a speech today (Thur) Health Secretary Andy Burnham has backed a proposal made by the New Local Government Network (NLGN) to allow patients to register with any GP, regardless of their catchment area. The idea was proposed by the think tank in March 2009 as a means to creating more convenient and accessible local [...]

NLGN is calling for the Government and local councils to make better use of the estimated 3,500 hectares of unused brownfield land to create new community allotments. With residents in some London Boroughs having to wait up to 40 years for a plot, NLGN argues that the need for additional land is clearly vital.

The New Local Government Network (NLGN) today welcomed the signing of three new Multi-Area Agreements – City Region of Birmingham, Coventry and the Black Country; North Kent; and West of England.

Whilst NLGN supports in principle the idea of giving citizens more of a voice in local decision making, it warns that the existing Conservative Party plans could undermine the role of locally elected government and may lead to the rights of minority groups being diminished.

New analysis published today (Mon) outlines the background of future Members of Parliament and raises important issues about the nature of public engagement in national politics. The New Local Government Network (NLGN) thinktank analysed 782 PPCs or 94% of all selected candidates from the three main political parties. Its figures show that: relatively small numbers [...]