David Walker 02 April 2015

Importance of imparting information

Information is the lifeblood of local government; constricting its flow will cause injury and eventually death. That’s why Eric Pickles’ determination to squash Greenwich Time – and his threats against Newham, Waltham Forest and Hackney – don’t just smack of Thatcherite intolerance of activist Labour local government. They give the lie to the claim that the Cameron coalition has been ‘localist’ in any serious or sincere way.

The point about Greenwich Time is simple. Councils invest in local flows of information on the basis of their knowledge of their people and their areas. Who has a better grasp of what the citizens of Blackheath or Woolwich know or don’t know – Eric Pickles or Cllr Denise Hyland, the council leader?

Rules on partisan publicity were sorted out long ago. It’s risible that Whitehall thinks it can teach councils how to behave properly when certain departments’ press offices are continuously straying over the line that should separate ministerial propaganda from neutral government information.

Click here to read this feature for free.

Black hole spending review image

Black hole spending review

Jonathan Werran, chief executive of Localis, reflects on what the Spending Review means for local government.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Portage Worker - SEND and Inclusion

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235
Term-time only (plus one week) – Temporary for 18 months Term-time only (plus one week) – Temporary for 12 months   We are recruiting Portage Workers Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£34,314 - £37,938 (pre-progression) / £39,513 - £43,693 (post-progression)
We are looking for social workers who have completed their assessed and supported year in employment to join our Families First Service. WHAT IS INVO Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Receptionist

Durham County Council
£24,404 to £25,183 pro rata p.a. Grade 3 (£12.64 to £13.05 per hour)
Casual as and when required opportunity is available Spennymoor Leisure Centre. WHAT IS INVOLVED? In this role you will professionally welcome custom Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Supervisory Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
2x Lunchtime Supervisory Assistant Vacancies Would you like to work with a group of wonderful children in order to help them to have a happy and sett Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Enhanced Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711?pro rata
Enhanced Teaching Assistant Grade 5     £25,584 - £27,711?pro rata Full time, Term Time Only + 2 Weeks Temporary – required from 1st September 2025 un Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner