by Fraser Henderson | Apr 10, 2026 | Frontpage
Late last month the government announced that ‘Ministers rip up consultation culture’ and it conjured mixed feelings. Local democracy is already in shreds, with mass layoffs in the sector among health and local government professionals, so why stop there? On the one...
by Fraser Henderson | Mar 10, 2026 | Frontpage
Government launched a new consultation  today on Digital IDs. Understandably a topic that will attract much attention. Built in both English and Welsh, it looks pretty dapper. You can even choose which part to complete – which is just as well given it could take...
by Fraser Henderson | Feb 13, 2026 | Frontpage
We’ve already covered the sticky issue of using AI to make sense of consultation responses but rarely do we think about sensemaking in terms of helping participants understand other participants beyond active facilitation and consensus building. Last week that changed...
by Fraser Henderson | Jan 19, 2026 | Frontpage
Recently we discovered the LGA were commencing a piece of work about reinvigorating robust debate inside local authorities. A timely reminder that scrutiny and accountability are at the heart of good governance. From the outside, it’s easy to forget that a community...
by Fraser Henderson | Dec 4, 2025 | Frontpage
Almost 20 years ago, the UK was at the forefront of digital democracy. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (now MGCLG) established a £4m center of excellence on local democracy (called ICELE) and kickstarted a number of cutting edge pilots with local authorities...
by Fraser Henderson | Oct 14, 2025 | Frontpage
According to HMG, the Pride in Place strategy will help build stronger communities, create thriving places and empower local people.   A corresponding £1.5bn Pride in Place programme will distribute £20 million of funding and support over the next decade into 75...
