LGIU's Head of Research, Dr Andrew Walker, talks to Dr Kevin Muldoon Smith about systems of local government finance and governance around the world. Dr Muldoon-Smith is an Associate Professor in Strategic Public Sector Finance and Urban Adaptation at Northumbria University and is working with LGIU's Local Democracy Research Centre on an international comparison project exploring different systems of funding.00:00 - Introduction02:10 - Short introduction to Kevin's career and work on local government governance and finance issues04:29 - Built environment - the nexus of policy, politics and power07:19 - LGIU's international local government finance project, a summary of what we know about different systems and how those structures help local government respond to the big global challenges15:27 - What does it take to enable change to take place in an existing system19:43 - The LGIU's upcoming paper on the local government finance system in Australia25:35 - What do the different systems around the world mean for the experiences of residents and local government staff30:15 - The role for academics and think tanks in promoting the argument for change

As part of our new interview series for Future Local Lab, LGIU’s Chief Executive Jonathan Carr-West sat down with Professor Donna Hall to discuss her impressive career, what it takes to transform local government for the future and the courage needed in local leadership right now to get the ball rolling.

2:16 Donna Halls' journey into local government3:54 The Wigan Deal: The inspiration behind it6:45 A new approach: Person-centric public services10:01 The challenges of implementing innovative practices14:13 Courageous local leadership for the future18:41 Building trust and community empowerment21:54 The future of local government30:11 Final reflections

This week co-hosts Simone and Freya are discussing what it takes to be a councillor, the expectations, the risks, the rewards, and everything in between. They share snippets and insights from first-hand accounts gained from recent interviews with Cllr Award 2023 winners along with councillors from all over the world. Plus, Cllr Euan Jardine from Scotland and Cllr Jim Magee from Australia provide their own great advice for new councillors embarking on this career path.

In the news segment, the stories include the world's biggest animal crossing, new art installations and smart tyre pumps.

Add to your calendar the following events and training:

Show notes:

⁠⁠⁠For even more local government resources, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lgiu.org

This week, co-hosts Simone and Freya are discussing elections! They cover the aftermath of the English local elections, the campaign for equality in Ireland's upcoming local elections, and, of course, the big announcement of the UK general election on July 4th and what it means for local government. Joining them to get into all the details is LGIU's resident election expert, Dr Greg Stride.

In the news segment, the stories include eco-friendly travel tourism cards, wind phones and advertisement-free metro stations.

Some upcoming topics to look out for on the LGIU website include ethical procurement and how AI can improve regulatory duties.

Add to your calendar the following events and training:

Show notes:

⁠⁠For even more local government resources, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lgiu.org

In this new episode, co-hosts Simone and Freya discuss the LGIU's Global Local newsletter, from its beginnings to how it's grown, and what it represents as part of LGIU's vision for the future of local government everywhere.

In the news segment, the stories include innovation using old tyres in road construction, modernising processes with digital credential services and affordable balcony solar panel schemes.

Some upcoming topics to look out for on the LGIU website include the evolving role of modern fathers, combating depopulation issues and ethical procurement.

Add to your calendar the following events and training:

Show notes:

⁠For even more local government resources, visit ⁠⁠⁠lgiu.org

In this new episode, co-hosts Simone and Freya discuss the LGIU's Global Local Executive Panel series. They are joined by Head of International Operations, Hannah Muirhead, to talk about the panel series' inception back during Covid, the overwhelmingly positive response it has received over the years, and the future ambitions for the panels.

In the news segment, stories of garbage cafes, chatbots to help decision making during elections, and road infrastructure improvements.

Some upcoming topics to look out for on the LGIU website, include sustainable and affordable housing, the evolving role of fathers and depopulation.

Be sure to sign up for the next Global Local Executive Panel on sustainable and affordable housing, and check out our upcoming training session on social media skills.

Show notes:

For even more local government resources, visit ⁠lgiu.org⁠

In this new episode, co-hosts Simone and Freya discuss all things local elections. Dr Andrew Walker joins them to chat about the release of LGIU's highly anticipated Ones to Watch guide for elections in England, which highlights some of the biggest battlegrounds to watch out for. Plus, the team chats about the value and importance of participating in local elections and why they matter.

In the news segment, stories of AI tools to help clean up streets, effective anti-pollution programmes and proposed reforms to gag disorderly councillors at meetings.

Some upcoming topics to look out for from LGIU, include the modern role of libraries, the behind-the-scenes of running elections and the future of sustainable and affordable housing. And, the must-attend event for all interested in local elections – and democracy as a whole – is our upcoming State of the Locals panel discussion!

Show notes:

For even more local government resources, visit lgiu.org

In this new episode, co-hosts Simone and Freya shine the spotlight on the LGIU's Local Democracy Research Centre. Joining them to share all the details about the Centre's inception, current work and future ambitions is Dr. Andrew Walker and Dr. Greg Stride. From passion projects to the practical application of research in the local government sector, the LDRC really has carved a space for itself in a very short amount of time.

In the news segment, stories of reducing waste, addressing homelessness and encouraging healthier modes of transport are shared. Plus, some upcoming topics to look out for from LGIU, including the eco-system of health and fast fashion, and some great training sessions on organisational development and report writing.

Find out what’s new at LGIU at ⁠lgiu.org⁠ – the Local Government Information Unit. We are a non-partisan, non-profit organisation for local government and anyone interested in local democracy.

Show notes:

For even more local government resources, visit ⁠⁠lgiu.org⁠⁠

In this episode of “What’s New at LGIU”, co-hosts Simone and Freya discuss the launch of the annual Cllr Awards, celebrating the hard work of councillors who are advocating for and making a big impact on their communities.

Simone shares details about the nomination process, the five award categories, and past winners. They also talk about the Global Local Showcase, which celebrates innovative and impactful local government practices from around the world.

Listeners also get to hear from previous Cllr Award winners who share their experience of the event.

In the news segment, Simone and Freya discuss some of the latest stories from local government around the world, including some innovative citizen science to help fish reproduce; a campaign to improve equality in local representation; and a brand-new toilet tour for tourists!

Find out what’s new at LGIU at lgiu.org – the Local Government Information Unit. We are a non-partisan, non-profit organisation for local government and anyone interested in local democracy.

Show notes:

For even more local government resources, visit ⁠lgiu.org⁠

This week, the big story at LGIU is the results of our 2024 State of Local Government Finance survey in England, which has gained vast attention across the sector and the media.

Joining the podcast to tell us all about the surprising results and the wider response so far is Dr Greg Stride, from the LGIU's Local Democracy Research Centre.

During our chat, we introduced a new game called 'six degrees of local government'. Greg faces the challenge of linking the word 'coincidence' back to local government in six connections or less – did he do it? Listen to find out!

We also spotlight three great stories from the world of local government this week and highlight some of the exciting topics and events coming up at LGIU!

Find out what’s new at LGIU – the Local Government Information Unit. We are a non-partisan, non-profit organisation for local government and anyone interested in local democracy.

Show notes:

For even more local government resources, visit lgiu.org