Opinion

• Making a ‘smart city’ even smarter

  Amos Meiri explores how a city currency platform can be used for the public good.

  

• Ensuring a hygienic washroom experience for women

  Sian Walkling outlines the considerations that councils should make when it comes to sanitary hygiene.

  

• 125 years and the issues remain the same

  Spending time poring over issues of The MJ from the past 125 years it is remarkable how much things change and yet they remain the same, says Heather Jameson.

  

• Local government and Brexit: a steady hand is needed

  While the £56.5m cash injection this week will go some way in helping councils prepare for the impact of Brexit, Mark Whitehead warns local government will be on the frontline for dealing with worst case scenarios.

  

• Rural councils should get the chance to influence voter ID rollout

  Voter ID pilots due to take place across 11 councils this year will help provide an insight into the best way to ensure the integrity of the voting process in the future, says Paul Shevlin.

  

• Poverty and the digital divide

  Phil Walker explores how councils can help close the digital attainment gap for children living in poverty.

  

• The confusing tale of a councillor, an escort agency and a licencing committee

  Mark Whitehead investigates why a councillor removed from a licensing committee over his connection to an escort agency was not reinstated when cleared of any wrong-doing.

  

• Be the talk of the town (hall)

  The way we talk about councils really matters, says Dr Jonathan Carr-West – and it’s time to speak up for local government and reclaim the powerful origins of the word ‘municipal’.

  

• The growing impact of civic tech

  Mark Cridge explains how civic tech can give councils better outcomes and enhance civic participation for millions of people.

  

• Tough times for creaky outsourcers

  With shares in outsourcer Interserve falling to an all-time low, is another market failure on the cards? Mark Whitehead explores.