Opinion

• Public-private commissioning: a question of trust

  The recent report by the New Local Government Network found a dwindling appetite for outsourcing at a time when many are rethinking the relationship between the public and private sectors.

  

• Saving Britain’s bees

  Sophie Hamnett urges local authorities to adopt pollinator action plans, which could help save them money as well as protecting the country’s bees.

  

• The VAR revolution

  Toby Hayward-Butcher explains what VAR can teach us about technology-driven transformation in local government.

  

• Workspace: Sky-high rents and dwindling supply

  Cllr Asima Shaikh explains how councils can make a meaningful difference to fledgling businesses and create decent, secure jobs.

  

• Payday loans or credit unions?

  With councils being urged to provide payday loans to their staff through payroll systems, Mark Whitehead considers if this is a better option than using existing schemes like credit unions.

  

• Investing to earn strategy

  Robbie Blackhurst finds out how local authorities can follow the example of Liverpool City Council by adopting an ‘invest to earn’ strategy.

  

• Islamic Finance: a cheaper, more ethical alternative

  Stuart Jarvis explains why councils are exploring Islamic Finance as an alternative source of funding.

  

• New lease of life for NHS

  Alex Green explains the role strategic property development is playing in the transformation of the NHS.

  

• Councils and the rise of covert profiles

  Mark Whitehead explains why councils are right to use fake Facebook profiles to track down illegal activities.

  

• Appointment panels hold unconscious bias

  Ian Thomas demands proportionate positive action to increase diversity in leadership positions.