As evidenced by its status as a four star authority and winner of the LGC’s prestigious Council of the Year award, Kirklees Council has worked hard to become a learning organisation. E-learning strategy was a core component of the success.

Steve Day from Rotherham Council discusses in-depth the local authority's approach to e-learning and how it fits with their work force development plans. He also touches upon the efficiency savings and the challenges they had to overcome.

Involve has just completed a study on how public participation in local government affects community relations. Karin Gavelin analyses the findings and discusses how the urge to develop communities should not become just another target.

James Morris, the new Chief Executive of "Localis" looks at the local central relationship and argues Britain has become the most centralised government in Europe - as he maps out the work he will drive at Localis.

The challenge for any new legislation is to rejuvenate the coast, protect the seas and coastal habitats and ensure that coastal communities can see the benefits and support the changes says Dr. Andy Johnston as he discusses the new Marine Bill.

Jon Case, Chief Executive Birchfield Interactive discusses the benefits of procuring SCORM-compliant curriculum-mapped content for learning platforms and how this can ensure consistency for ICT and huge cost savings for LAs!

The authors, Susannah Constable and Katy Morris discuss some of the options open to local and sub-regional government to improve productivity gap and the challenge presented by a lack of engagement from business.

Service Birmingham, the joint venture company established by Birmingham City Council and Capita, has been in operation for two years this month.

The LGiU has been working with local authorities over the past six months to identify the challenges and opportunities they see in carbon trading. "Learning by doing" seem to be the best way forward. Gemma Roberts from LGiU explores.

With the LocalRenewables Initiative, ICLEI supports and strengthens local governments which promote the generation and supply of renewable energy and energy efficiency in the urban environment. The key elements of the programme are highlighted here.