Fighting local government’s corner
22/06/2011 The Local Government Group has been transformed by an unprecedented programme of change aimed at adding value to the sector and supporting councils, says John Ransford |
Yes we can! The secrets of doing more for less
07/07/2010 Better use of resources, more efficiently working, and community focus will be key to a challenging year ahead for the LGA, says John Ransford |
Plugged In
01/07/2009 Everything has its season – or so it is said. Seasons govern our lives, from the natural progression of the year from solstice to solstice to human order arrangements, such as school terms and sporting calendars. |
We’re rising to the challenges
24/06/2009 The Local Government Association has had a challenging year. As its members prepare to meet in Harrogate for the annual conference, chief executive John Ransford outlines plans for the future |
Plugged In
06/11/2008 A recession has effects way beyond the unremitting headlines about bank rates, share prices and the level of government borrowing. |
Plugged In
16/10/2008 Local government buildings were once beacons of civic pride. They were physical demonstrations of community leadership, a sense of place, and impressive gathering points for local communities. |
Plugged In
25/09/2008 Important strategic decisions are rarely straightforward. The theory is fine – set out a proposition, marshal the relevant evidence, provide a commentary on it, apply a risk analysis, give specific recommendations, make clear decisions and implement |
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07/08/2008 Public service delivery will always be a balanced deal. In the absence of the profit motive, which drives the private sector, conflicting expectations of public services lead to multiple challenges, which constantly make that balance difficult to ach |
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18/06/2008 The ceiling came down in our living room recently. This is bad enough when ceiling demolition is planned – I know nothing else which creates such a mess – but chaotic when it happens for no apparent reason in the middle of the night. |
Plugged In
01/05/2008 The redoubtable Ben Page of Ipsos-Mori constantly reminds us that people’s appreciation of services provided in local government is far in excess of the reputation of councils themselves... |
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12/03/2008 I have said before in this column that we do not celebrate our achievements in local government sufficiently... |
PluggedIN
22/01/2008 A public service should be what it says on the tin. It is self-evident that those of us employed in the public sector should provide people with the information, services and facilities they require within their entitlement... |
Resources
07/11/2007 Resources. Perhaps the most emotive word in the local government lexicon – particularly when we are emphasising their shortage... |
PluggedIN
13/07/2007 John Ransford says the upbeat mood of the recent LGA conference must continue if councils are to make a real difference to local communities. |
PluggedIn
16/02/2007 The impact of public policy – a bit like the weather – has very different phases. Sometimes set fair, at other times, unsettled and unpredictable, it does have an affect on all of us – citizens, stakeholders, commentators and, not least, those of us |