Welcome to Adjacent Local Government where we will be examining and highlighting a host of topics of concern to our varied readership. From sustainable cities and affordable homes, through to local government pensions, we hope to inspire and create debate.
The edition begins with a Foreword from the Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Hilary Benn MP. He discusses how communities can overcome social, economic and environmental changes in order to build a sustainable future. He suggests that we should learn from history about good leadership and confidence in order to gain enormous achievements, even when times are tough.
In our built environment section we have an excellent array of articles that delve into the topic of how we can achieve sustainability throughout our local communities. We start the section with a piece from European Commissioner for Regional Policy, Johannes Hahn, who gives an insight into what smart and sustainable growth means for Europe. Included also is a piece from Councillor John Gardner of Stevenage Borough Council, who gives a perspective on what is being achieved by a local planning authority.
Other topics that are given consideration within this February edition include; transparency within the NHS; reoffender management; apprenticeships; and, the digitalisation of public services.
In the next edition we intend to widen the scope of the publication to give a more cross-government balance. We look forward to this in May.