Key topic areas covered include: Children & Young People, Communities, Environment, Fire & Rescue Services, Housing & Planning, and more…

Protecting Digital Public Services from Evolving Cyber Threats

Local governments in the UK are increasingly relying on technology to deliver essential services and interact with their constituents. From managing public records to overseeing utility services, the digitalisation of these operations has brought numerous benefits in efficiency and accessibility. However, it has also introduced significant vulnerabilities, making cybersecurity a critical concern for local governments.

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The UK’s Top 3 Smart Cities: A Transformative Approach for Local Governments

While cities like Singapore are leading the way globally with digital transformation, the United Kingdom is on its journey towards global smart city status. Smart city initiatives, such as in London, Manchester and Bristol are pivotal for local governments, providing them with the tools to create more efficient, sustainable, and liveable environments.

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12 Innovative Solutions to Solve the Affordable Housing Crisis

Only one in eight first-time buyers can afford an average first home. The affordable housing crisis is a persistent challenge faced by communities across the globe. As of 2021, approximately 8.4 million people in England were living in unaffordable, insecure, or unsuitable homes​.

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Net Zero: 5 Key Climate Action Areas for Local Governments

Local governments in the United Kingdom are essential in tackling climate change and promoting sustainability. With the UK committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, local authorities must lead by example and implement effective policies and initiatives. This article outlines key areas for action, supported by UK-specific statistics and case studies of successful local government initiatives.

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CrowdStrike: 6 Crisis Management Lessons for the Public Sector

The CrowdStrike outage in July 2024 involved a significant disruption in their cybersecurity services, impacting various sectors reliant on their technology, including finance, healthcare, and government. This included 8.5 million Windows devices. This incident highlighted the critical need for thorough testing, robust crisis management, and effective communication to maintain trust and continuity in essential services. This article identifies key areas for public sector authorities to protect in their systems.

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6 Key Strategies to Improve UK Transport for Local Governments

With the cost of living crisis and train tickets more expensive than ever, local authorities face the challenge of enhancing transportation systems to be more efficient, sustainable, and accessible. This article explores key strategies for local councils to contribute and help improve this crisis.

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Supporting Digital Inclusion: A Local Government Mandate

The UK ranks fourth in Europe and 17th in the World for its online population. Championing digital inclusion is an essential strategy for fostering economic growth, enhancing public services, and improving the overall quality of life for their residents. This article explains how local authorities can support the digital inclusion transition in communities.

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Providing Equal STEM Opportunities to Inspire Students

Maria Rossini, head of education at the British Science Association, spoke at our recent STEM in Schools Conference about equal opportunities to inspire all students into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths).

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Online Safety in Education: Safeguarding in the Digital Age

As technology becomes an integral part of education, ensuring online safety for students is increasingly important. The digital age offers vast educational opportunities, but it also poses significant risks, including cyberbullying, data breaches, and exposure to inappropriate content.

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Universal Basic Services and Cash Payments: lessons from the Leeds City Council and Trussell Trust cash-first pilot

Universal Basic Services is the idea of a form of social security in which a community receive free access to public services. In this article Rajiv Prabhakar, Senior Lecturer in Personal Finance at the Open University, discusses the Leeds Council cash first pilot and the way provides evidence about the ways cash and services can combine to help those in need access basic services  

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Embedding Deprivation of Living Safeguards in Social Care Teams

Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards are an amendment to the Mental Capacity Act. In this article, Kirklees Council discuss how they have worked in partnership to deliver services and embed Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards as part of social care plans.

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The Tools Needed to End Veteran Homelessness

There are many challenges homeless veterans face when accessing services on their journey out of homelessness. Lee Buss-Blair, Director of Operations at Riverside Housing discusses some of these issues and Op Fortitude funding which is in place to help the development and delivery of a centralised referral pathway for homeless veterans.

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