http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/news/blog-news.aspx?NewsListingOrigCol_SyndicationType=1 Contensis: http://www.contentmanagement.co.uk http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2013/03/08/doing-politics-differently/ For the second time in as many years, the south Manchester neighbourhood of Levenshulme where I live, has faced the closure of vital public facilities. This time, the library and swimming pool have been targeted. Both these facilities are community hubs which bring people in a diverse, and in many ways disadvantaged, community together. Written by Catherine Durose. Fri, 08 Mar 2013 16:00:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2013/03/08/doing-politics-differently/ Social Sciences http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2013/03/04/women-and-politics/ EHRC research exploring the under-representation of women and other groups protected under the Equality Act (2010) has been used to support a call for the Coalition to act to address the issue of women's representation in Parliament. Women from the Political Studies Association's Women and Politics group challenge the government to accept the logic of sex quotas and introduce legislation for elected institutions in Great Britain. Written by Catherine Durose. Tue, 05 Mar 2013 20:14:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2013/03/04/women-and-politics/ Social Sciences http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2013/03/01/council-tax-the-new-poll-tax/ The Poll Tax riots in 1990 famously brought down Mrs Thatcher and led to the hasty introduction of the Council Tax. Twenty three years later are the reforms to Council Tax (due for implementation in less than a month) about to bring the Poll Tax back from the grave? Written by Martin Stott. Fri, 01 Mar 2013 10:20:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2013/03/01/council-tax-the-new-poll-tax/ Social Sciences http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2013/02/27/local-democracy-makers/ To what extent does the lack of training and development of senior officers at local councils impact on the practice of local democracy? Can 'democracy' even be taught? It's a question that has been with me for a while. I have no answers but can offer some personal reflections following research I undertook into the role of senior officers in managing local democracy. Written by Philip Lloyd-Williams. Wed, 27 Feb 2013 11:35:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2013/02/27/local-democracy-makers/ Social Sciences http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2013/02/26/leadership-developmen/ The question of how we play a part in encouraging future generations of leaders has never really been more acute than at the present. The question has been around for quite a while now but perhaps never really satisfactorily answered. Some years ago a PhD study looked at the career paths of Local Authority Chief Executives and the startling conclusion appeared to be that actually wanting to be a chief executive was the only real common feature. Written by Ian Briggs. Tue, 26 Feb 2013 12:17:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2013/02/26/leadership-developmen/ Social Sciences http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2013/02/21/greens/ An unambiguously positive title, I trust you'll agree – not least because I plan to stick a gentle boot in later on. We must start, though, with full credit where it's due. This weekend, the Green Party of England and Wales celebrates its 40th anniversary – a remarkable achievement indeed for a party that, in its own folklore anyway, owes its origins to a guy in Coventry picking up a Playboy magazine. Written by Chris Game. Thu, 21 Feb 2013 10:20:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2013/02/21/greens/ Social Sciences http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2013/02/15/horse-meat/ A recurrent theme of the political rhetoric from successive governments in recent times has been 'deregulation', 'cutting bureaucracy and red-tape'. Indeed the notions of 'Smaller Government' and of 'curbing the nanny state' have been key elements in the present Coalition Government's programme since the outset in 2010. Mon, 18 Feb 2013 17:28:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2013/02/15/horse-meat/ Social Sciences http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2013/02/06/activating-coproduction/ Recently we have been publishing the findings of an in-depth statistical analysis of user and community co-production, based on responses to a survey of 5000 citizens in five EU countries in 2008, funded by the French Presidency of the EU. Written by Tony Bovaird Thu, 07 Feb 2013 13:30:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2013/02/06/activating-coproduction/ Social Sciences http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2013/02/01/birmingham-second-unequal/ Google "Birmingham – Britain's second city" and you get 110,000 results; for "Birmingham – Britain's third city" just three – all ignorant, obviously prejudiced, or both. By contrast, "Manchester – Britain's second city" gets 895 results, only just outscoring "Manchester – Britain's third city" with 866. QED – unofficial as the title is, if there's going to be a second city, it's Birmingham. Simples! Written by Chris Game Sat, 02 Feb 2013 15:40:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2013/02/01/birmingham-second-unequal/ Social Sciences http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2013/02/01/beyond-the-state/ Community organising and co-production can shape public policy making and service delivery in new and creative ways, providing an alternative to privatisation and the outsourcing of public services. This is the claim made in our new pamphlet, 'Beyond the state: mobilising and co-producing with communities'. Written by Catherine Durose, Jonathan Justice and Chris Skelcher. Fri, 01 Feb 2013 12:31:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2013/02/01/beyond-the-state/ Social Sciences http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2013/01/30/in-favour-of-the-mundane-citizenship-testing-and-participation/ This weekend saw the announcement that the Government has completed its revisions to the 'Life in the UK' citizenship test, refocusing the questions on British culture, history and sport. According to the Government, there will be no more 'mundane' questions about water meters, job interviews, the internet and public transport. Written by Katherine Tonkiss. Wed, 30 Jan 2013 18:44:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2013/01/30/in-favour-of-the-mundane-citizenship-testing-and-participation/ Social Sciences http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2013/01/29/last-chapters-localism/ "Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance", George Bernard Shaw once wrote – it seems to sum up some extraordinary lessons that the recent winter weather is offering us. What really gets people off their backsides and make representations to local councils are things that affect them immediately. Written by Ian Briggs Tue, 29 Jan 2013 10:30:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2013/01/29/last-chapters-localism/ Social Sciences http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2013/01/28/councillors-engage/ This month saw the 'Communities and Local Government Committee' release its report on the role of the modern councillor. Focusing on the impact of the Localism Act (and associated developments in recent years), Clive Betts MP, Chair of the Committee, suggested that local representatives are now spending less time in council and more in the community. Written by Karin Bottom, Catherine Mangan and Thom Oliver. Mon, 28 Jan 2013 17:49:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2013/01/28/councillors-engage/ Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2013/01/quangos.aspx Quangos, non-departmental public bodies, or arm's length bodies (ALBs), as they are variably termed, are a category of public organisations that operate with a degree of independence from ministers. These bodies have become an established feature of government, created to deliver policy, offer expertise and regulation (among other functions). Written by Katherine Tonkiss and Katharine Dommett. Fri, 25 Jan 2013 15:47:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2013/01/quangos.aspx Blog INLOGOV insitute of local government studies Katherine Tonkiss Katharine Dommett http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2013/01/24/local-politics-essential/ I always struggle when local Councillors say to me that they are 'not political'. For me politics is part of everyday life as well as life in local government. To some extent I cannot see that we can operate without it and perhaps it's like the cod liver oil mother used to give me – it's not very tasty but good for you. Written by Philip Lloyd-Williams. Thu, 24 Jan 2013 11:45:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2013/01/24/local-politics-essential/ Social Sciences http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2013/01/23/silos-joint-commissioning/ I heard it again - in a discussion on last Tuesday's BBC Radio 4 Today programme, Nick Herbert's piece about the civil service - the problem is that silos remain. Written bu Stephen Jeffares. Wed, 23 Jan 2013 18:43:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2013/01/23/silos-joint-commissioning/ Social Sciences http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2013/01/21/neighbourhood-governance/ In the UK, the deprived neighbourhood has long been a site and scale for intervention and action, giving rise to a variety of forms of neighbourhood governance to achieve a range of purposes. The four predominant rationales for neighbourhood governance are defined by Lowndes and Sullivan (2008): the empowerment of citizens and communities (the civic rationale); partnership to take a holistic approach to an area (social); government through new forms of representation and participation (political); and management in terms of more effective local service delivery (economic). Written by Madeleine Pill Mon, 21 Jan 2013 10:17:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2013/01/21/neighbourhood-governance/ Social Sciences http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2013/01/18/you-couldnt-make-it-up-except-dclg-just-did/ Did you see manager Arsène Wenger's explanation of Arsenal's feeble performance against Manchester City last Sunday? While most players are galvanised by home supporters and see playing at home as an advantage, Arsenal's apparently are scared by theirs. "They have a great desire to do well, so maybe they're a bit too anxious that they don't respond completely to the expectation level of the crowd." Written by Chris Game Fri, 18 Jan 2013 15:34:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2013/01/18/you-couldnt-make-it-up-except-dclg-just-did/ Social Sciences http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2013/01/18/pccs-appointment/ This week, the news media is full of concern for certain newly elected Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) making personal appointments to their staff. At face value it does seem rather strange that we are replacing one partially elected body with a handful of appointees with another, but perhaps a more serious issue does sit behind this rather ticklish situation. Written by Ian Briggs Fri, 18 Jan 2013 13:11:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2013/01/18/pccs-appointment/ Social Sciences http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2013/01/15/city-deals/ Today is the deadline for the submission of the second round of 'City Deals'. Twenty cities and city regions are putting proposals to DCLG based around four ambitious objectives. Written by Martin Stott Tue, 15 Jan 2013 16:25:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2013/01/15/city-deals/ Social Sciences http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2013/01/14/jo-moore-was-right-councillors-pensions-finally-are-bad-news/ There's an album track by the heavy metal band, Skyclad, inspired by the most infamous civil service email ever – the 'good day to bury bad news' message by Jo Moore, special adviser to Local Government Minister, Stephen Byers, at 2.55 p.m. on September 11th 2001, an hour after al-Qaeda terrorists crashed their hijacked jets into the twin towers of New York's World Trade Center. I'm no metalhead anyway, but there are two things about the track that especially grate. Written by Chris Game Mon, 14 Jan 2013 18:32:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2013/01/14/jo-moore-was-right-councillors-pensions-finally-are-bad-news/ Social Sciences http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2013/01/09/profit-public-purse/ By 1830 the East India Company had grown in size and influence to be a government in all but name. It had control over a population that was at the time ten times greater than that covered by the British Crown and amounted in economic terms to over one third of the then British economy. The power of the company was such that it has led to a deep seated suspicion of the profit motive in the private sector and individuals that has remained in national and local government ever since – whichever political party has been in control. Written by Ian Briggs Wed, 09 Jan 2013 17:29:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2013/01/09/profit-public-purse/ Social Sciences http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2013/01/07/disability-hate-crime-statistics/ One thing about the BBC that really irritates me - up there with its inane Diamond Jubilee reporting, expensively inept management, and the Today programme's 'Thought for the Day' – is its pathetic practice of basing programmes on what it claims are new, exclusively revealed and/or cunningly researched data, when in fact they are nothing of the kind. Written by Chris Game Mon, 07 Jan 2013 13:27:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2013/01/07/disability-hate-crime-statistics/ Social Sciences http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/12/17/welcome-to-the-neighbourhoo/ Earlier this month, a group from the Birmingham Social Inclusion Process (People Key Line of Inquiry) held a one day workshop with representatives from across the voluntary and community sectors in the city, to explore the notion of 'welcome'. As part of its Social Inclusion Inquiry (Giving Hope, Changing Lives), the partnership is considering options for making local communities more welcoming to new entrants (anyone moving into a neighbourhood), in a drive to improve levels of social inclusion. Written by Katherine Tonkiss Tue, 18 Dec 2012 11:33:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/12/17/welcome-to-the-neighbourhoo/ Social Sciences http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/12/13/george-ferguson-bristo/ The ultimate Zombie Idea of Local Government lives on in the West of England but will budgetary and party political challenges spell an end for the directly elected mayoral model? Written by Thom Oliver Fri, 14 Dec 2012 16:18:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/12/13/george-ferguson-bristo/ Social Sciences http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/12/11/wenger-on-west-somerset/ In her recent blog on financially distressed councils in general and West Somerset DC in particular, Catherine Staite suggested that we should be talking more about "streamlining the machinery of local government … merging smaller councils", and in effect institutionalising some of the multiplying numbers of apparently cost-saving shared service and shared staffing arrangements. Written by Chris Game Wed, 12 Dec 2012 08:36:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/12/11/wenger-on-west-somerset/ Social Sciences http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/12/03/making-ends-mee/ Last month West Somerset District Council sent up a distress flare. They can't make ends meet and it is only going to get worse. At the other end of the scale, the Leader of Birmingham City Council has announced £600m of cuts and declared that the changes which are coming will be 'the end of local government as we know it'. LB Barnet's 'graph of doom' demonstrates how rising social care costs will eat up their resources until there is no capacity to do anything else but social care and emptying the dustbins. Written by Catherine Staite. Tue, 04 Dec 2012 17:26:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/12/03/making-ends-mee/ Social Sciences http://iddbirmingham.wordpress.com/2012/11/25/managing-the-consequences-of-joanna-lumleys-campaign-gurkhas-and-development-in-nepal/ Both Jeremy and I were aware that the decision to allow Gurkhas to settle in the UK following their service in the British Army, famously fought for by Joanna Lumley, had had a negative impact on Nepal. Gurkhas now look towards their future in the UK and therefore no longer send large amounts of money home to Nepal to be invested there. Anna Townsend is a military wife and founder of Women Without Roofs – Nepal. She recently completed an MSc in Poverty Reduction and Development Management with IDD. Mon, 26 Nov 2012 12:47:00 GMT http://iddbirmingham.wordpress.com/2012/11/25/managing-the-consequences-of-joanna-lumleys-campaign-gurkhas-and-development-in-nepal/ Social Sciences http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/11/23/bristol-independents-revolutio/ As the only city to hold a mayoral referendum last May and vote in favour, Bristol confirmed its reputation as a city that marches to the beat of a different drum. The mayoral election in November reinforced this maverick status with electors decisively (albeit on a turnout of only 27.9%) electing Independent candidate George Ferguson as Mayor. Post written by Martin Scott. Fri, 23 Nov 2012 17:06:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/11/23/bristol-independents-revolutio/ Social Sciences http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/11/19/elected-mayors-problem/ Only one eligible voter in every three participated in the local elections in May 2012, the lowest turnout since 2000 and despite a context of austerity and swingeing public spending cuts. The recent elections for Police and Crime Commissioners saw turnout slump to a record low for a national poll, averaging at 15%. To quote a Guardian editorial, 'lack of engagement is the most eloquent of all the political messages… Blog post written by Catherine Durose. Mon, 19 Nov 2012 11:40:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/11/19/elected-mayors-problem/ Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2012/11/who-will-really-commission-the-police.aspx By the end of this month, 41 newly elected Police and Crime Commissioners in England and Wales will be facing the challenge of filling their diaries with appointments to help them get to grips with a role that is both new and controversial. Whatever their mandate from the electorate, their role will open up some very interesting possibilities around public involvement in policing. Blog post written by Ian Briggs. Fri, 16 Nov 2012 11:24:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2012/11/who-will-really-commission-the-police.aspx Social Sciences http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/11/13/equal-pay/ You probably caught Monday's headlines: "Country's largest authority hit by £757 million equal pay bill"; "Birmingham taxpayers face massive service cuts to pay for growing compensation bill"; "Council bankrupt if Government withholds borrowing permission". Written by Chris Game. Tue, 13 Nov 2012 19:46:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/11/13/equal-pay/ Social Sciences http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/11/12/what-difference-might-police-and-crime-commissioners-make/ The elections on 15th November 2012 of 41 Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) for the police force areas of England and Wales (outside London) represents the start of one of the biggest experiments in democratic governance. The new office of PCC, for which there is no known precedent in policing around the world, surely represents the most significant change in at least fifty years in how the police in England and Wales are governed and held to account. Written by john RAine and Paul Keasey. Mon, 12 Nov 2012 11:41:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/11/12/what-difference-might-police-and-crime-commissioners-make/ Social Sciences http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/10/31/muscular-liberalism/ I noticed recently that, among the links on the right-hand side of this page, we still listed the We Love Local Government blog – which, despite its having been wound up, in characteristic style, several months ago, rather pleased me. It deserves to live on, and, should its belatedly unveiled authors, Glen Ocsko and Gareth Young, happen to see this blog, they may take it as a small personal tribute to them and their … I was going to type 'baby', but that would make them filicidists … creation. Written by Chris Game. Wed, 31 Oct 2012 16:26:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/10/31/muscular-liberalism/ Social Sciences http://iddbirmingham.wordpress.com/2012/10/22/workshop-on-research-and-evidence-in-international-development/ On 17 October 2012, the International Development Department at the University of Birmingham brought together leading experts on research communication to share experiences and lessons learned about managing knowledge and evaluating the uptake and impact of research and evidence on policy and practice. Wed, 24 Oct 2012 09:59:00 GMT http://iddbirmingham.wordpress.com/2012/10/22/workshop-on-research-and-evidence-in-international-development/ Social Sciences http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/10/12/can-i-vote-please-councillors-budgets-and-illegality/ This week, there is plenty of news about granting 16 and 17 year olds the right to vote. You may therefore be surprised to learn that another group may have their right to vote withdrawn. Okay, I am being slightly flippant here, but there is a potentially serious oversight on whether councillors should be allowed to vote at the full council budget setting meeting. By Philip Whiteman. Mon, 15 Oct 2012 14:41:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/10/12/can-i-vote-please-councillors-budgets-and-illegality/ Social Sciences http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/10/11/the-council-tax-freeze-part-3-wholl-be-on-this-years-roll-of-shame/ East Cambridgeshire, East Hampshire, East Northamptonshire, South Hams, South Ribble, West Devon – anything you reckon they might have in common, apart from 'compass point' names that for most of us require translation to make much sense: Ely/Newmarket, Petersfield/Alton, Rushden, Totnes, Leyland, Tavistock/Okehampton, if you were wondering. By Chris Game. Mon, 15 Oct 2012 14:38:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/10/11/the-council-tax-freeze-part-3-wholl-be-on-this-years-roll-of-shame/ Social Sciences http://polsis.org/2012/09/28/how-the-celtic-tiger-stepped-over-finglas/ Jack Copley, who graduated from POLSIS in July 2012 with a first class degree in Political Science, has recently had an article published on the Irish current affairs website Politico. The article, which is based on his prize-winning undergraduate dissertation, analyses the impact of the Celtic Tiger phenomenon on a working class district of Dublin. Fri, 28 Sep 2012 17:00:00 GMT http://polsis.org/2012/09/28/how-the-celtic-tiger-stepped-over-finglas/ Social Sciences http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/09/25/local-government-and-the-democratic-mandate-an-outdated-model/ Local government could never be described as fashionable, yet today there is more talk than ever about the importance of 'the local'. However, this has converted into less, rather than more, freedom to act locally. Written by Martin Scott. Wed, 26 Sep 2012 10:10:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/09/25/local-government-and-the-democratic-mandate-an-outdated-model/ Social Sciences http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/09/21/ukip-councillors/ One of the minor hypotheses in Chris Game's general theory of local elections concerns the correlation between a party's rating of its own current fortunes and the accuracy of its councillor listings on its national website. In brief: the greater the optimism, the greater the accuracy. Written by Chris Game. Wed, 26 Sep 2012 10:07:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/09/21/ukip-councillors/ Social Sciences http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/09/14/strawberry-tasting-chief-exec-gets-top-civil-service-post/ UK local authorities are among the largest in Europe, spending billions of pounds annually on hundreds of diverse services. Yet it is the fate of some to be associated in the public consciousness, almost solely and seemingly forever, with a single image. Written by Chris Game. Thu, 20 Sep 2012 16:14:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/09/14/strawberry-tasting-chief-exec-gets-top-civil-service-post/ Social Sciences http://polsis.org/2012/09/20/trust-cooperation-and-the-global-nuclear-future/ On Tuesday 04 September 2012, the University of Birmingham hosted the Third Annual Symposium on "The Challenges to Trust Building in Nuclear Worlds" entitled "Trust, Cooperation and the Global Nuclear Future". Thu, 20 Sep 2012 16:13:00 GMT http://polsis.org/2012/09/20/trust-cooperation-and-the-global-nuclear-future/ http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/09/14/roaming-buffalos-high-speed-trains-and-localism/ As the government seeks to develop measures that stimulate the economy through the relaxation of the local planning processes, should we stop for one moment and think about some pretty fundamental issues about the relationship that we, as citizens, have with the locality where we reside – issues that localism may be ignoring? Written by Ian Briggs. Thu, 20 Sep 2012 15:46:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/09/14/roaming-buffalos-high-speed-trains-and-localism/ Social Sciences http://iddbirmingham.wordpress.com/2012/09/11/statebuilding-challenges-for-the-future-timorese-government/ Nicolas Lemay-Hébert is a Marie Curie Experienced Researcher at the International Development Department, University of Birmingham and research group leader, "State-building, Security and Development," at the Institute for Conflict, Cooperation and Security, University of Birmingham... Tue, 11 Sep 2012 15:49:00 GMT http://iddbirmingham.wordpress.com/2012/09/11/statebuilding-challenges-for-the-future-timorese-government/ Social Sciences http://polsis.org/2012/09/08/the-eu-must-focus-on-human-insecurity-in-the-arab-world/ Human insecurity in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) arises from the intersection of diverse threats, including environmental problems, food and water scarcity, and ethnic and cultural conflicts. If the European Union is to pursue comprehensive security in the MENA, it must learn from its past mistakes of endorsing authoritarian regimes and develop a new approach in its relations with the polities and societies emerging from the so-called 'Arab Spring', writes POLSIS's Michelle Pace. Mon, 10 Sep 2012 10:55:00 GMT http://polsis.org/2012/09/08/the-eu-must-focus-on-human-insecurity-in-the-arab-world/ Blog POLSIS Political Science and International Studies http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/09/04/nothing-to-declare-a-troubled-time-for-parishes/ Philip Whiteman writes about Chaddesley Corbett Parish Councils decision not to sign a declaration of Disclosable Pecuniary Interest and how it could affect other small parish councils. Tue, 04 Sep 2012 10:02:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/09/04/nothing-to-declare-a-troubled-time-for-parishes/ Social Sciences http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/08/31/facing-the-future/ To face the future is no easy task for local government. There are deep uncertainties in society challenging government generally. The unknown impact of continuing austerity, the revitalising of the economy barely begun, the neglected issues of climate change and growing inequality all demand a response from government in what could be an increasingly troubled society. Written by Professor John Stewart. Fri, 31 Aug 2012 14:04:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/08/31/facing-the-future/ Social Sciences http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/08/29/having-a-holiday-may-deliver-more-than-you-expect/ "It is surprising what a holiday can do for you" started the telephone conversation with a senior manager this week. Written by Ian Briggs Wed, 29 Aug 2012 16:21:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/08/29/having-a-holiday-may-deliver-more-than-you-expect/ Blog INLOGOV institute of local government studies http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/08/28/police-and-crime-commissioner-elections-where-the-18-5-turnout-figure-came-from/ Getting exciting, isn't it? Just 78 days and 21 hours (at the time of typing) till polling stations open for the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) elections on 15th November. At least, that's what Birmingham City Council newsroom's dedicated website says - It's been running for nearly three weeks now and, given the dearth of information emanating from the Government, is well worth a visit. By Chris Game Tue, 28 Aug 2012 13:01:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/08/28/police-and-crime-commissioner-elections-where-the-18-5-turnout-figure-came-from/ Blog INLOGOV institute of local government studies http://polsis.org/2012/08/22/theres-still-time-to-negotiate/ Giving up on international negotiations over the Iranian nuclear issue would be a tragic mistake, write Dani Nedal and Nicholas J. Wheeler. This article is part of our securities studies research agenda series. Thu, 23 Aug 2012 12:27:00 GMT http://polsis.org/2012/08/22/theres-still-time-to-negotiate/ Social Sciences http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/08/20/whose-budget-is-it-the-mayors-or-the-councils/ Earlier in the year, during the mayoral referendum debates, I remember using the example of North Tyneside to illustrate how the constant attempts to compare our elected mayors with those in the US were seriously misleading, as ours had and would have considerably more constrained powers than their American counterparts. Written by Chris Game. Mon, 20 Aug 2012 15:21:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/08/20/whose-budget-is-it-the-mayors-or-the-councils/ Social Sciences http://polsis.org/2012/08/15/sudan-and-south-sudans-unresolved-post-independence-issues/ Little more than a year after its secession from Sudan, South Sudan remains crippled by twin economic and security crises. Leaders north and south of the new international border need to rise to the challenge of reaching a comprehensive settlement, writes Professor Stefan Wolff. Wed, 15 Aug 2012 17:03:00 GMT http://polsis.org/2012/08/15/sudan-and-south-sudans-unresolved-post-independence-issues/ Social Sciences http://polsis.org/2012/08/03/r2p-implications-for-world-order-part-1/ The West's intervention in Libya and the on-going violence in Syria have placed a renewed spotlight on the principle of the responsibility to protect (R2P) human life. In this first post of a two part series, Dr Edward Newman argues that far from emerging into an new international 'norm', R2P is exposing fissures in a changing global order. Fri, 03 Aug 2012 14:48:00 GMT http://polsis.org/2012/08/03/r2p-implications-for-world-order-part-1/ Blog security Political Science International Relations libya syria Edward Newman researchnews http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/08/02/the-lga-are-right-in-the-team-benchmarking-stakes-residents-panels-dont-even-medal/ Credit where it's due – in this case to the Local Government Association's recent decision that data gathered from local residents' panels about their views of and satisfaction with their councils cannot be used for benchmarking purposes. Written by Chris Game. Fri, 03 Aug 2012 14:21:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/08/02/the-lga-are-right-in-the-team-benchmarking-stakes-residents-panels-dont-even-medal/ Social Sciences http://polsis.org/2012/07/26/sport-under-communism-dr-jonathan-grix-discusses-his-new-book/ POLSIS's Dr Jonathan Grix appeared on BBC Radio 4's Thinking Allowed this week to discuss his new book Sport under Communism: Behind the East German 'Miracle', co-authored by Mike Dennis from the University of Wolverhampton. Fri, 27 Jul 2012 09:00:00 GMT http://polsis.org/2012/07/26/sport-under-communism-dr-jonathan-grix-discusses-his-new-book/ Blog Johnathan Grix videos and podcasts podcast http://polsis.org/2012/07/19/lessons-from-the-osce-high-commissioner-on-national-minorities/ To highlight the breadth of the research going on within POLSIS, the POLSIS Blog is today launching a series of month-long 'Research Agendas'. Each month, the blog will feature a series of posts showcasing some of the exciting theories and issues that POLSIS staff and PhD candidates are working on. The Research Agendas will be based around the Department's research groups and thematic research clusters. The first will highlight some of the diverse issues that our scholars of Security Studies are focused on. Here, Professor Stefan Wolff discusses his views on the continuing relevance of the OSCE High commissioner on National Minorities for the future of conflict prevention and management. Thu, 19 Jul 2012 14:57:00 GMT http://polsis.org/2012/07/19/lessons-from-the-osce-high-commissioner-on-national-minorities/ POLSIS Blog Security studies Stefan Wolff researchnews http://polsis.org/2012/07/16/dr-jonathan-grix-on-the-olympics/ The Olympic Games are now less than two weeks away. In this podcast for the University of Birmingham's Ideas Lab, POLSIS's Dr Jonathan Grix discusses the Olympic 'legacy', the impact of the Games outside the capital, and parallels with the 1948 Austerity Olympics, which were also held in London. Mon, 16 Jul 2012 09:43:00 GMT http://polsis.org/2012/07/16/dr-jonathan-grix-on-the-olympics/ videos and podcasts researchnews Blog jonathan grix olympics http://polsis.org/2012/07/10/only-vatican-can-change-the-catholic-church/ On Friday, POLSIS's Gëzim Alpion, Lecturer in Sociology, was interviewed by the Slovakian newspaper PRAVDA on recent developments in the Vatican. While there is no English translation of the newspaper article, the editor Andrej Matisak has uploaded details of those he interviewed on his blog. Tue, 10 Jul 2012 13:03:00 GMT http://polsis.org/2012/07/10/only-vatican-can-change-the-catholic-church/ Blog POLSIS sociology Political Science International Relations Gëzim Alpion Vatican catholic church http://polsis.org/2012/07/04/why-the-eu-should-say-no-to-tory-blackmail/ The UK Prime Minister last weekend opened the door to a possible referendum on the UK's relationship with the EU. POLSIS's David Toke argues that from a progressive perspective, it would be better for the UK to leave the EU altogether than for it to undermine the democratic basis of the Union by renegotiating its terms of membership. Wed, 04 Jul 2012 10:58:00 GMT http://polsis.org/2012/07/04/why-the-eu-should-say-no-to-tory-blackmail/ Social Sciences http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/07/02/tax-collection-rates/ Council tax collection rates have become an annual Commons ritual, pleasingly coinciding with the first week of Wimbledon. Party whips select a tame Government backbencher – the parliamentary equivalent of a first-round loser – to lob up a couple of juicy written questions for the high-seeded Communities and Local Government Minister to smash away, adding for good measure some unsubtle party spin. This year, though, there were a couple of interesting variations... Written by Chris Game. Mon, 02 Jul 2012 10:09:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/07/02/tax-collection-rates/ Social Sciences http://polsis.org/2012/07/02/colin-thain-argues-for-new-direction-in-economic-policy-making/ The current state of the economy is like the 1930s, says Professor Colin Thain of POLSIS. We should support Nobel laureate Paul Krugman's new 'economic manifesto' and demand a change of direction in UK and Western economic policymaking. Mon, 02 Jul 2012 09:41:00 GMT http://polsis.org/2012/07/02/colin-thain-argues-for-new-direction-in-economic-policy-making/ Social Sciences http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/06/28/the-new-virtual-town-hall/ They wear tweeds, ride fold up bicycles and have a strange obsession with bandstands, they are often viewed as being at the fringes of society – a minority interest group with a small but powerfully loyal following - they are those who hold dear to their hearts that our 19th century heritage should never be lost. Written by Ian Briggs Fri, 29 Jun 2012 09:26:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/06/28/the-new-virtual-town-hall/ Social Sciences http://polsis.org/2012/06/28/libyas-arab-spring-what-lessons-for-the-eu/ While EU member states took leading roles the NATO operation in Libya, the role of the EU itself was limited largely to the provision of humanitarian assistance. Despite a positive track record in crisis management missions and operations on three continents, the EU's capacity to effect positive change in its southern neighbourhood remains in doubt, writes POLSIS's Stefan Wolff. Thu, 28 Jun 2012 12:56:00 GMT http://polsis.org/2012/06/28/libyas-arab-spring-what-lessons-for-the-eu/ Social Sciences http://polsis.org/2012/06/27/student-conference-cosmopolitan-dimensions/ Last week, POLSIS held its Second Annual Student Conference, an event organised for students, by students. It was a day to remember, writes POLSIS MA student and conference organiser Marianna Karakoulaki. Thu, 28 Jun 2012 10:58:00 GMT http://polsis.org/2012/06/27/student-conference-cosmopolitan-dimensions/ POLSIS studentnews http://polsis.org/2012/06/25/euro-2012-and-the-uks-semi-boycott/ England's (not such a) shock-defeat to Italy may still be raw in the nation's collective consciousness, but hey, look on the bright side: at least the government can stop agonising over whether ministers should attend the final. POLSIS' Jonathan Grix explores the curious case of the UK semi-boycott of Euro 2012. This post first appeared on e-International Relations. Mon, 25 Jun 2012 13:08:00 GMT http://polsis.org/2012/06/25/euro-2012-and-the-uks-semi-boycott/ Social Sciences http://polsis.org/2012/06/22/from-diana-to-the-diamond-jubilee-the-royal-family-postmodern-pastiche-and-consumerism/ With the nation's bunting safely packed away until the next 'once in a lifetime' event, POLSIS PhD researcher Alex Oaten reflects on what the Queen's Diamond Jubilee weekend tells us about contemporary consumerist culture. Fri, 22 Jun 2012 12:09:00 GMT http://polsis.org/2012/06/22/from-diana-to-the-diamond-jubilee-the-royal-family-postmodern-pastiche-and-consumerism/ Social Sciences http://polsis.org/2012/06/20/migration-marriage-and-muscular-liberalism-competing-claims-but-a-common-goal/ Two policies announced this week – the introduction of restrictions on family migration, and the criminalisation of forced marriage – highlight an instrumental use of human rights discourse by the Government to reinforce British sovereignty and citizenship, based on the idea of 'muscular liberalism', writes Katherine E. Tonkiss. (This post was originally featured on Migration Pulse, the blog of the Migrants' Rights Network.) Wed, 20 Jun 2012 15:47:00 GMT http://polsis.org/2012/06/20/migration-marriage-and-muscular-liberalism-competing-claims-but-a-common-goal/ Social Sciences http://polsis.org/2012/06/20/rand-paul-supports-mitt-romney/ Republican Senator Rand Paul, son of libertarian godfather Ron Paul, this month controversially endorsed Mitt Romney's bid for the presidential nomination. POLSIS PhD candidate Jake Diliberto examines the consequences for Paul Sr.'s grassroots libertarians of what some in the movement see as an act of treachery by one of their favourite sons. Wed, 20 Jun 2012 11:45:00 GMT http://polsis.org/2012/06/20/rand-paul-supports-mitt-romney/ Social Sciences http://polsis.org/2012/06/18/leadership-diplomacy-and-institutional-design-a-model-for-understanding-the-arab-spring/ Across the Middle East and North Africa, the impact of the Arab Spring has been as varied as it has been profound. Professor Stefan Wolff discusses three 'essential ingredients' that will determine whether regime transitions can be managed successfully. Tue, 19 Jun 2012 10:00:00 GMT http://polsis.org/2012/06/18/leadership-diplomacy-and-institutional-design-a-model-for-understanding-the-arab-spring/ http://polsis.org/2012/06/15/the-banking-union-a-bridge-to-far-for-the-city/ The European Commission backs it. The ECB backs it. The leaders of France, Italy, Spain, and (possibly) Germany back it. A 'banking union' may save Europe's banks, but does it also spell the end for the single market in financial services? POLSIS PhD researcher Samuel McPhilemy examines the implications of the latest plan to resolve the financial turmoil in Europe. Fri, 15 Jun 2012 16:00:00 GMT http://polsis.org/2012/06/15/the-banking-union-a-bridge-to-far-for-the-city/ http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/06/13/chapman-chief-executives/ Written by Councillor Graham Chapman. It's not only clothes and pop music which are subject to the vacillations of fashion. They affect the more mundane world of local government too. Elected mayors for example are a fashion of the 'naughties', when larger-than-life bankers, entrepreneurs, football managers, celebrities of all types were supposed to provide solutions to a whole range of problems by dint of pure charisma and personality. Even the staid role of the chief executive is subject to fashion. Wed, 13 Jun 2012 16:30:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/06/13/chapman-chief-executives/ http://polsis.org/2012/06/11/staff-3-2-students-match-report/ On the 6th of June 2012, the teaching staff of POLSIS took on a select band of undergraduates in the annual football game. The POLSIS Blog dispatched football correspond Angus Nore-Hoghorris (who is totally impartial and has absolutely no conflict of interest with the staff team) for this once-a-year encounter. Tue, 12 Jun 2012 11:34:00 GMT http://polsis.org/2012/06/11/staff-3-2-students-match-report/ studentnews videos and podcasts http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/06/11/mayoral-recall/ Chris Game - Visiting Lecturer at INLOGOV. We'll never know, of course, whether a well publicised mayoral recall provision could have swung some of those lost referendums. My own view is that, with a half-decently organised Government-led Yes campaign – detailing the 'city deals' that mayoral cities could expect, and confirming that mayors elected by voters would be recallable by voters – several additional referendums, including Birmingham's, were comfortably winnable. Mon, 11 Jun 2012 17:09:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/06/11/mayoral-recall/ Social Sciences http://polsis.org/2012/06/10/irans-nuclear-programme-videos-uploaded/ On April 25th, the University of Birmingham's new Institute for Conflict, Cooperation and Security held an event to assess the options for cooperation and conflict surrounding the Iranian nuclear programme. Sun, 10 Jun 2012 15:50:00 GMT http://polsis.org/2012/06/10/irans-nuclear-programme-videos-uploaded/ researchnews videos and podcasts http://polsis.org/2012/06/04/the-re-politicisation-of-abortion-in-the-uk/ Recent attacks on abortion provision are part of a broader strategy aimed at eroding abortion rights, writes POLSIS PhD candidate Fran Amery. Mon, 04 Jun 2012 13:40:00 GMT http://polsis.org/2012/06/04/the-re-politicisation-of-abortion-in-the-uk/ studentnews Abortion ethics medicine politics POLSIS http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/05/28/managed-difference-local-solutions-market-forces-anything-but-postcode-lotteries/ It was over six years ago that Sir Michael Lyons launched his campaign to abolish 'postcode lotteries' from the local government lexicon. As he wrote in his 2007 report, "I would hope to see debate about postcode lotteries being replaced, over time, by discussion of 'managed difference' – recognising the right and ability of local communities to make their own choices, confident in their own competence, and in the knowledge of their own preferences. Tue, 29 May 2012 09:40:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/05/28/managed-difference-local-solutions-market-forces-anything-but-postcode-lotteries/ http://wp.me/p2diSa-4A Colin Thain, Head of Department at POLSIS, suggests that the Leveson Inquiry could end up by being one of the most significant inquiries into the nature and rules of the game of British politics. Tue, 29 May 2012 09:39:00 GMT http://wp.me/p2diSa-4A http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/05/23/barnet-graph-doom/ A recent SocietyGuardian article on the impact of demographic change on local authority service provision by David Brindle, the paper's Public Services Editor, produced considerable social media comment, but not apparently any actual sighting of the item that kicked the article off: the so-called Barnet Graph of Doom. Time, therefore, for an unveiling, and some demystification. Fri, 25 May 2012 11:03:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/05/23/barnet-graph-doom/ http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/05/16/no-vote-birmingham/ What a relief to wake up on Friday morning, 4 May 2012, and know that Birmingham will not have a directly elected mayor. It was a most ill-informed referendum. The media, the business community (both Birmingham-based and national) and the government campaigned in favour. But the case against was hardly made at all until very close to the referendum, so there was little real discussion of what the new post would actually involve, or its advantages and disadvantages. Fri, 18 May 2012 12:11:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/05/16/no-vote-birmingham/ Social Sciences http://polsis.org/2012/05/18/the-politics-of-protest-students-perspectives/ Following the fallout from recent occupational protests at the University of Birmingham, the air on campus has been thick with talk surrounding the right to protest and the efficacy of this political tool in redressing student grievances. Here, POLSIS students Rachel Armitage (1st Year BA Political Science), Fern Tomlinson (3rd Year B.A. Political Science ) and Alice Key (1st Year BA Political Science) provide an insight into students' views on the rights and wrongs of protest and what it might achieve. Fri, 18 May 2012 12:11:00 GMT http://polsis.org/2012/05/18/the-politics-of-protest-students-perspectives/ Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2012/05/polsis-blog.aspx We are pleased to announce that we have launched the new POLSIS Blog (polsis.org). The POLSIS Blog provides a window into the wide range of academic activities taking place within the department. Thu, 17 May 2012 17:17:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2012/05/polsis-blog.aspx http://polsis.org/2012/05/15/why-greece-will-not-exit-the-euro/ With Greek political leaders entering a fresh round of negotiations aimed at forming a government after last week's election, speculation that Greece is on the verge of exiting the Euro has reached fever pitch. Here, Dr David Toke, Seniour Lecture in Politics at the University of Birmingham, explains why he believes this talk is overblown. Tue, 15 May 2012 07:55:00 GMT http://polsis.org/2012/05/15/why-greece-will-not-exit-the-euro/ http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/05/14/briggs-bottom-councillors/ Given last week's frantic media interest in the local elections and the Mayoral referenda, some will find it quite remarkable as to how quickly the events have become old news. Rose Garden 2 has come and gone and even the Queen's Speech outlining the forthcoming legislative agenda has quickly gravitated to the inside pages; yet, for many of the newly elected councillors – over 500 in total – the real work has just started. Most will now be sworn in, horse trading for positions of prominence will be at fever pitch and senior officers and managers will be thinking of ways to develop new working relationships with fresh councillors and new administrations. Mon, 14 May 2012 17:17:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/05/14/briggs-bottom-councillors/ http://polsis.org/2012/05/07/visit-to-amnesty-international-uks-the-human-rights-action-centre/ This post from POLSIS PhD student Iván Farías Pelcastre is a report on a recent trip by POLSIS students to Amnesty International in London. Mon, 07 May 2012 09:11:00 GMT http://polsis.org/2012/05/07/visit-to-amnesty-international-uks-the-human-rights-action-centre/ studentnews http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/04/24/hilary-benn-game/ Chris Game is a Visiting Lecturer at INLOGOV interested in the politics of local government; local elections, electoral reform and other electoral behaviour; party politics; political leadership and management; member-officer relations; central-local relations; use of consumer and opinion research in local government; the modernisation agenda and the implementation of executive local government. Fri, 27 Apr 2012 13:04:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/04/24/hilary-benn-game/ http://iddbirmingham.wordpress.com/2012/04/17/diaspora-communities-in-transitional-justice/ Huma Haider is a research fellow in the Governance and Social Development Resource Centre. Her areas of interest include transitional justice in the context of peacebuilding; coexistence and reconciliation in divided societies; and the participation of refugees, IDPs and diasporas. This post is based on a paper she recently presented at the international conference on Relationships between Diasporas and their "Homelands" and Their Impact on the State, National Identities, and Peace & Conflict at the Lebanese American University in Beirut, Lebanon. Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:01:00 GMT http://iddbirmingham.wordpress.com/2012/04/17/diaspora-communities-in-transitional-justice/ Social Sciences http://iddbirmingham.wordpress.com/2012/03/23/donors-still-cant-talk-about-the-c-word/ The UK's Independent Commission for Aid Impact issued a report yesterday on DFID's Programme Controls and Assurance in Afghanistan expressing strong concerns about DFID's control over its programmes and resources in the country, and about corruption in particular... Written by Heather Marquette, Senior Lecturer in Governance in IDD. Mon, 26 Mar 2012 12:04:00 GMT http://iddbirmingham.wordpress.com/2012/03/23/donors-still-cant-talk-about-the-c-word/ Social Sciences http://iddbirmingham.wordpress.com/2012/03/09/stop-kony/ Jonathan Fisher is a research fellow in IDD, focusing on the relationship between Western aid donors and developing states, and how donors construct perceptions of foreign governments and key concepts in international development. He has recently completed an analysis of the role of international donors in Uganda's recent 2011 elections commissioned by the Deepening Democracy Programme, a donor 'basket fund' based in Kampala. Wed, 14 Mar 2012 07:43:00 GMT http://iddbirmingham.wordpress.com/2012/03/09/stop-kony/ http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/03/07/mayoral-_power_battle/ There was no camouflage flak jacket, no ceremonial mace to brandish, no Downing Street front door through which theatrically to exit a ministerial career, but who needs props, if, like Michael (now Lord) Heseltine, you're one of the great headline-makers of your political generation. He managed it again at last week's University of Birmingham Mayoral Debate, and against the odds. Wed, 07 Mar 2012 14:32:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/03/07/mayoral-_power_battle/ http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/02/29/leadership_programmes/ From the late 1980's a new sub industry emerged in the UK public sector, mass sector wide leadership development programmes. The Health sector was well and truly into this game by this time with huge programmes developing future leaders and the local government sector followed swiftly behind. The very best of these programmes were based upon... Thu, 01 Mar 2012 09:59:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/02/29/leadership_programmes/ http://iddbirmingham.wordpress.com/2012/02/23/haiti-two-years-on/ 12th January 2012 marked the second anniversary of the earthquake in Haiti. Over 200,000 people died and 1.5 million people were made homeless as a result of this disaster, caused by an earthquake which lasted just 30 seconds. Written by Moustafa Osman an expert in humanitarian relief, head of the Humanitarian Department of Islamic Relief Worldwide, and a lecturer in IDD where he teaches Introduction to Disaster Management. Fri, 24 Feb 2012 12:00:00 GMT http://iddbirmingham.wordpress.com/2012/02/23/haiti-two-years-on/ Social Sciences http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/02/21/winterval/ The last Valentines have been sent, the last Chinese New Year firecrackers ignited, the last pantomime cast dispersed – even from Bradford's glorious Alhambra, where Robin Hood was outlawing away well into February. In short, Winterval is indubitably over, and here in Birmingham, just possibly, over for ever. Not, please note, over for good – not as far as I'm concerned, anyway. PR disaster though it became, I liked Winterval. Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:11:00 GMT http://inlogov.wordpress.com/2012/02/21/winterval/ Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2012/02/localism-public-health.aspx The plan to impose regulations on local authorities about the employment of Directors of Public Health (DPHs) is wrong on so many levels. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:21:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2012/02/localism-public-health.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2012/02/steep-fall-in-uni-application-rates.aspx I shouldhave gone to Ladbrokes and put money on it. I used to do undergraduateadmissions, so I know these things – and I'd have cheerfully bet 50 quid that,come the end of January, there'd be fistfuls of stories headlining howuniversity applications had plummeted this year, "in the face of the hike infees". And of course there were. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:56:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2012/02/steep-fall-in-uni-application-rates.aspx Social Sciences http://iddbirmingham.wordpress.com/2012/01/16/rio20-the-future-we-want/ Drafting outcome documents from international conferences must be no easy task! Just how can you summarise the complex negotiations that have taken place, the diversity of views and interpretations of terms, and the range of commitments, or lack of them? There are just five months to go until the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development takes place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, marking twenty years after the 1992 Earth Summit, also held in Rio. A couple of days ago, the 'zero draft' of the outcome document, "The Future We Want", was released. Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:39:00 GMT http://iddbirmingham.wordpress.com/2012/01/16/rio20-the-future-we-want/ Social Sciences http://iddbirmingham.wordpress.com/2011/12/11/india-and-the-un-convention-on-the-rights-of-persons-with-disabilities/ The 2006 UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities marked a watershed moment for the worldwide disability movement, but can it really make a difference to the lives of millions of disabled people around the world, many of whom are living in conditions of extreme poverty? This was one of the questions on my mind when I visited India, one of the first countries to sign and ratify the Convention, at the beginning of this year. Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:20:00 GMT http://iddbirmingham.wordpress.com/2011/12/11/india-and-the-un-convention-on-the-rights-of-persons-with-disabilities/ http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2011/12/transgender-councillors-other-census-findings.aspx When survey researchers report to clients, they are often asked about their least surprising finding. If those from the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) were asked such a question by the LGA commissioners of the recently published National Census of Local Authority Councillors 2010, they would surely have found it hard to resist their discovery that "the majority of councillors reported that their gender identity was the same as they were assigned at birth" Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:32:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2011/12/transgender-councillors-other-census-findings.aspx http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2011/12/council-reserves.aspx My keyboard is having some difficulty typing this, but, after much contemplation and inner torment, it reckons – and I do follow its reasoning – that, on the vexed topic of council reserves, Eric Pickles was not all wrong. Partly wrong, yes; needlessly provocative, of course – with his headline-seeking remarks last November, on the eve of an eye-wateringly tough finance settlement, about councils hoarding reserves and turning town hall vaults into Fort Knox; but yes, he did and does have a point. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 12:12:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2011/12/council-reserves.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2011/11/reflections-localism-act.aspx On 11th November INLOGOV held a one day conference, chaired by Professor Tony Bovaird, on the implications of the Localism Act for local government and the communities they serve. Speakers included Paul Rowsell (insert job title) from CLG, who has overseen the progress of the Bill through Parliament, Gavin Jones, Chief Executive of Swindon Borough Council, Ed Hammond of the Centre for Public Scrutiny and Catherine Staite, Director of INLOGOV. Four workshops in the afternoon explored the issues around elected mayors, the Big Society, the future role of scrutiny and referendums. Fri, 25 Nov 2011 13:31:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2011/11/reflections-localism-act.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2011/11/elected-mayors.aspx There are usually two reasonable expectations of Bills introduced by governments with safe parliamentary majorities. First, there won't be many significant changes or concessions, especially to any bits known to be personal enthusiasms of ministers. Second, there will be fewer uncertainties at the end than at the beginning. On both counts, the elected mayoral sections of the Localism Bill/Act have proved exceptional. Tue, 22 Nov 2011 12:51:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2011/11/elected-mayors.aspx http://iddbirmingham.wordpress.com/2011/11/14/does-brundtland%e2%80%99s-sustainable-development-need-a-human-dimension/ As anyone working or interested in environment and development will know, the most often cited definition of sustainable development is the one given in the 1987 report Our Common Future, produced by the World Commission on Environment and Development (more commonly known as the Brundtland Report, after the chair of the Commission, Gro Harlem Brundtland) Mon, 14 Nov 2011 13:11:00 GMT http://iddbirmingham.wordpress.com/2011/11/14/does-brundtland%e2%80%99s-sustainable-development-need-a-human-dimension/ http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2011/11/lies-damned-lies-hackney.aspx As you'll have noticed, it's National Adoption Week. It's also Get Local Councils Week, but, given that it's roughly the 44th of these this year, it may have escaped your attention. Still, you'll no doubt recognise the formula. Fri, 04 Nov 2011 09:53:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2011/11/lies-damned-lies-hackney.aspx http://iddbirmingham.wordpress.com/2011/10/29/a-future-for-aid-data/ Michael Hubbard, Reader in Development Economics, is an economist specialising in public economic and finance management, aid management and international trade. Pranay Sinha is a Research Fellow in aid management and public finance. They are currently collaborating on a research project on aid data funded by DFID through its Future of Aid and Beyond Research Competition 2010-11. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 10:51:00 GMT http://iddbirmingham.wordpress.com/2011/10/29/a-future-for-aid-data/ Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2011/10/local-authority-chief-executives.aspx Last week brought the news that yet another chief executive role is being abolished – this time it's LGC's mystery columnist. This follows plans by Wiltshire and Hastings to get rid of theirs. What can be driving this? Not performance, surely. Cost perhaps – but the chief executive's salary is a drop in the ocean in terms of what many councils need to save over the next three years. What then is going on? Mon, 17 Oct 2011 17:04:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2011/10/local-authority-chief-executives.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2011/10/citizenship-survey.aspx You may have seen the headline in the LGC: 'SURVEY SHOWS RECORD HIGH TRUST IN COUNCILS' (lgcplus, September 23), and the explanatory opening sentence: 'The last-ever government survey of public attitudes towards citizenship has found trust in local government at a record high.'... Tue, 04 Oct 2011 14:07:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2011/10/citizenship-survey.aspx http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2011/10/eric-pickles-rubbish-views.aspx Back in June, before Eric Pickles had, as one DCLG civil servant put it, 'raided every biscuit tin in the building' to find his £250 million to help councils retain or restore weekly bin collections, I wrote a blog on AWCs (Alternate Weekly Collections and other rubbish thoughts). It was not a topic in which previously I had had more than a mild consumer curiosity, but, as often happens, after writing about it my interest increased. Tue, 04 Oct 2011 13:04:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2011/10/eric-pickles-rubbish-views.aspx http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2011/10/you-cant-mandate-collaboration.aspx Local and national government in Wales have collided over an attempt by the Local Government Minister to require local authorities to work together to deliver public services. The Minister's proposals aligned groups of local authorities with the seven health boards with the aim of improving co-operation across councils and with health boards to generate more efficient and effective delivery of local public services. Welsh local government and the WLGA objected to these proposals and have refused to implement them. Tue, 04 Oct 2011 08:15:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2011/10/you-cant-mandate-collaboration.aspx http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2011/09/core-cities-amendment-mayoral-implications.aspx However sceptical you (or I) may be about the House of Lords' vaunted ability subtly but significantly to amend government legislation, when a normally thwarted Opposition Spokesperson describes one of these amending sessions as 'an almost biblical experience', it at least arouses your curiosity. After all, you don't get many ABEs down the corridor in, as they insist on calling it, 'the other place'. And indeed, the amendment in question – albeit potentially and allowing for a bit of baronial rhetoric – is quite a biggie. Fri, 23 Sep 2011 14:09:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2011/09/core-cities-amendment-mayoral-implications.aspx http://iddbirmingham.wordpress.com/2011/09/19/conflict-security-and-development-an-introduction/ Paul Jackson and Danielle Beswick published a new textbook in June: Conflict, Security and Development: An Introduction. It is the first textbook to really address the core issues linking conflict and development. We asked Paul to describe the process of writing it and to talk about the issues it discusses. Mon, 19 Sep 2011 13:42:00 GMT http://iddbirmingham.wordpress.com/2011/09/19/conflict-security-and-development-an-introduction/ http://iddbirmingham.wordpress.com/2011/08/17/religion-and-attitudes-towards-corruption/ There has been growing interest in looking at the underlying anthropological and cultural reasons for why corruption might occur, and a growing understanding that technical, management-led approaches to anti-corruption are not providing the level of success desired. There is a clear need to look as well at why individuals choose to be corrupt and how their values and attitudes towards corruption are shaped. Wed, 17 Aug 2011 12:20:00 GMT http://iddbirmingham.wordpress.com/2011/08/17/religion-and-attitudes-towards-corruption/ http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2011/08/norwegian-democracy-stoltenberg-bertelsmann.aspx One can only speculate about the words other recent Prime Ministers or their spin doctors might have come up with, faced by the tragic events in Oslo on July 22 2011. Those, however, that seemed to come instinctively and personally to Norway's PM, Jens Stoltenberg, within hours of having himself been the main target of the initial car bomb, were as remarkable as they were memorable: 'We will retaliate with more democracy'. Mon, 15 Aug 2011 08:21:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2011/08/norwegian-democracy-stoltenberg-bertelsmann.aspx http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2011/08/county-flags-coats-of-arms.aspx Communities Secretary, Eric Pickles, is flying England's county flags in weekly rotation, to celebrate the counties' importance in the nation's cultural heritage and government. Last week was Warwickshire's turn, and the flag hoisted was the one most county residents would probably recognise: bright red and yellow, three complicated crosses known as cross-crosslets, and the well-known 'bear and ragged staff'. Tue, 02 Aug 2011 14:20:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2011/08/county-flags-coats-of-arms.aspx Social Sciences http://iddbirmingham.wordpress.com/2011/07/12/effects-of-the-arab-spring/ The Arab Spring has been widely seen as a watershed event which has irrevocably changed the region and the global political landscape and led to a seismic shift in the social contract governing the relationship between Arab ruling elites and their populations. The Spring has demonstrated a strong regional dynamic: protests have spread within the Arab world because of the cultural affinity felt by Arabs, and have not been matched in other parts of the world facing similar problems. Tue, 26 Jul 2011 17:38:00 GMT http://iddbirmingham.wordpress.com/2011/07/12/effects-of-the-arab-spring/ http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2011/06/alternate-weekly-rubbish-collections.aspx There are moments – perhaps a minute or two a month – when I almost wish our local government was fractionally less, rather than immensely more, localised. Last month's moment was about AWC – Alternate Weekly Collection of domestic refuse – which, coincidentally, featured prominently in the local elections exactly four years ago, in May 2007. Mon, 20 Jun 2011 13:34:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2011/06/alternate-weekly-rubbish-collections.aspx Social Sciences http://iddbirmingham.wordpress.com/2011/06/07/local-government-matters-the-%e2%80%98toilet-elections%e2%80%99-in-south-africa/ Local government elections are notorious for low voter turnout, but the turnout for last month's elections in South Africa was a record 58% of the 24 million registered voters. This was attributed to an exciting election campaign and tight contests expected in key municipal areas. Campaigning went on for weeks and received extensive coverage in the media. The elections were efficiently run by the Independent Electoral Commission, with plenty of independent civil society monitoring, and few allegations of intimidation, violence or malpractice. Is it coincidental, one commentator mused, that the IEC is run at a senior level by women? Wed, 08 Jun 2011 08:39:00 GMT http://iddbirmingham.wordpress.com/2011/06/07/local-government-matters-the-%e2%80%98toilet-elections%e2%80%99-in-south-africa/ Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2011/05/ultimate-pivotal-voters-ramsbottom.aspx Some of my social science colleagues, being both concerned citizens and mathematically inclined, spend sizable portions of their academic lives investigating why some of us bother to vote and others don't. Tue, 07 Jun 2011 15:24:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2011/05/ultimate-pivotal-voters-ramsbottom.aspx Social Sciences http://iddbirmingham.wordpress.com/2011/05/07/the-ugandan-protests-and-why-museveni-will-not-be-joining-ben-ali-and-mubarak-anytime-soon/ Tunisia, Egypt, Libya…Uganda? This has been the rallying cry of many Kampala residents since anti-government protests broke out in the Ugandan capital in mid-April. The likelihood of 'Egypt-style' uprisings imperiling the continued tenure of the Museveni government has also been talked-up by a number of journalists, in the West and in Africa, particularly now protests have spread beyond Kampala to Entebbe, Mbale and other Ugandan towns. On the face of it, there is much to be said for such comparisons. Sat, 07 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://iddbirmingham.wordpress.com/2011/05/07/the-ugandan-protests-and-why-museveni-will-not-be-joining-ben-ali-and-mubarak-anytime-soon/ Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2011/05/big-society.aspx The impact of local authority spending cuts on the voluntary sector has provoked demands from the sector for special treatment and exhortations from the Secretary of State and his ministers for councils to cut their own 'bureaucracy' before cutting funding to voluntary bodies. Wed, 04 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2011/05/big-society.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2011/04/council-tax-recovery.aspx If you're fed up with football, why not kick local government? Anyone can play. In February we had a BBC 'investigation' discovering that 'cash-strapped local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales failed to collect £530 million in council tax in 2009-10'. Fri, 15 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2011/04/council-tax-recovery.aspx Social Sciences http://iddbirmingham.wordpress.com/2011/04/07/two-years-on-reflecting-on-a-victors-peace-in-sri-lanka/ The military victory of the Sri Lankan armed forces over the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in May 2009 marked the end of a civil war that had endured more than twenty five years. While it is arguably too early to draw clear lessons from the Sri Lankan experience, nearly two years on it is possible to generate some tentative conclusions about the kind of political settlement that is emerging in the post-war period. Thu, 07 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://iddbirmingham.wordpress.com/2011/04/07/two-years-on-reflecting-on-a-victors-peace-in-sri-lanka/ Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2011/04/conservative-labour-councils.aspx When I used to teach undergraduates, one way I'd introduce the really basic stuff about council tax would be to have them Google 'Conservative councils cost you less', then 'Labour councils cost you less', and get them to explain how both claims were true and, on their own, almost equally meaningless. Mon, 04 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2011/04/conservative-labour-councils.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2011/03/too-reasonable-for-television.aspx Imagine my excitement when INLOGOV was approached by researchers for a television programme about selling public assets. The format was to be a panel debate. Mon, 07 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2011/03/too-reasonable-for-television.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2011/03/elected-mayors.aspx Thu, 03 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2011/03/elected-mayors.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2011/02/community-rights.aspx The government has been calling on local authorities to offer a greater role to the voluntary sector in the provision of its services, not least because David Cameron sees the voluntary sector as a crucial mainstay of the 'Big Society'. The importance which the government ascribes to the voluntary and community sector is evident in the Localism Bill. Mon, 28 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2011/02/community-rights.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2011/02/knitting-boxing-gloves.aspx Without the support of local government there will be no Big Society. Using centralist means to achieve a local Big Society is like knitting in boxing gloves - doomed to failure. Sun, 27 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2011/02/knitting-boxing-gloves.aspx Social Sciences http://iddbirmingham.wordpress.com/2011/02/18/ex-combatants-in-nepal/ Nepal has had a traumatic political history full of huge political transitions. Since its transition to democracy from an autocratic monarchy in 1990, Nepal has experienced more than its fair share of upheaval. In particular the failure of the post-democratic revolution Governments of the early 1990s to address the root causes of poverty and alienation in the areas beyond the Kathmandu Valley led to the development and rapid escalation of a Maoist insurgency that started in 1996 and was only recently ended with a Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2006. Fri, 18 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://iddbirmingham.wordpress.com/2011/02/18/ex-combatants-in-nepal/ Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2011/02/building-local-government-capacity-big-society.aspx Academics at the Institute of Local Government Studies are currently involved in a topical and exciting study to find out what is enabling or blocking the development of 'Big Society' ideas in different communities. Fri, 18 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2011/02/building-local-government-capacity-big-society.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2011/02/centralist-tendencies-of-the-localism-bill.aspx INLOGOV's new publication on the Bill ('The World will be your Oyster': Perspectives from the Institute of Local Government Studies on The Localism Bill), in thirteen short chapters, provides a comprehensive analysis of the main provisions in the Bill – explaining what is intended and what the provisions are likely to mean. Tue, 08 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2011/02/centralist-tendencies-of-the-localism-bill.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2011/02/health-social-care-bill.aspx David Miliband said in his speech in the House of Commons on Monday 31 January 2011 that the Bill is not a 'curate's egg' with some good bits and some bad but rather is wholly bad. But is he right? Mon, 07 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2011/02/health-social-care-bill.aspx Social Sciences http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2011/02/local-authority-chief-executives-endangered-species.aspx Chief Executives pay has been the focus of much attention in recent weeks. Ministers say they must take a cut in pay or spread themselves across several authorities - apart from those cities where there will be an executive mayor, in which case those chief executives should simply fade away. If such things were done, the ministers argue, the impact of central government cuts would hardly be felt at the frontline. Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/news/2011/02/local-authority-chief-executives-endangered-species.aspx Social Sciences http://iddbirmingham.wordpress.com/2011/01/12/bemba-on-trial/ The vice-president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Jean Pierre Bemba, is currently on trial in The Hague for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed while trying to put down a coup in the neighbouring Central African Republic in 2002. Bemba's trial is a key step in the search for justice for crimes committed following the coup, but also highlights an enduring challenge for international justice, and has potential implications for the stability of the fragile peace in DR Congo. Wed, 12 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://iddbirmingham.wordpress.com/2011/01/12/bemba-on-trial/ http://iddbirmingham.wordpress.com/2010/11/15/state-society-relations-and-citizenship/ Huma Haider is a research fellow in the Governance and Social Development Resource Centre. Her areas of interest include transitional justice in the context of peacebuilding; coexistence and reconciliation in divided societies; and diaspora, identity and citizenship. This post is based on a new topic guide supplement published by the GSDRC on state-society relations and citizenship in situations of conflict and fragility. Mon, 15 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://iddbirmingham.wordpress.com/2010/11/15/state-society-relations-and-citizenship/ Social Sciences http://iddbirmingham.wordpress.com/2010/11/01/has-development-studies-forgotten-latin-america/ Attending the Latin American Studies Association (LASA) conference in Toronto – over 3000 papers in 850 sessions over three days – shows that academic endeavour on and in the region is alive and well. Why then does Latin America have such a low profile in the UK's development studies community? Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://iddbirmingham.wordpress.com/2010/11/01/has-development-studies-forgotten-latin-america/ Social Sciences http://iddbirmingham.wordpress.com/2010/10/15/youth-armed-violence-and-job-creation/ Oliver Walton is a research fellow in the Governance and Social Development Resource Centre. His areas of interest include NGO legitimacy, civil society peacebuilding, conflict prevention, war-to-peace transitions, and Sri Lankan politics. This post discusses the findings of a new research report on Youth, armed violence and job creation programmes carried out for the Norwegian Peacebuilding Centre. Fri, 15 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://iddbirmingham.wordpress.com/2010/10/15/youth-armed-violence-and-job-creation/ Social Sciences http://iddbirmingham.wordpress.com/2010/10/01/contracting-out-in-fragile-states/ Governments of fragile states need to deliver services, ensure security and maintain legitimacy in the most difficult circumstances. Populations may be displaced, infrastructure absent or impaired, the rule of law minimal, and government's own capacity weak. Donors, international NGOs and local informal service providers are often the first to intervene to satisfy basic demands, frequently bypassing government. Fri, 01 Oct 2010 15:12:00 GMT http://iddbirmingham.wordpress.com/2010/10/01/contracting-out-in-fragile-states/ Social Sciences http://iddbirmingham.wordpress.com/2010/07/16/understanding-faith-based-organisations-in-pakistan/ This article outlines current research into the characteristics and activities of faith-based organisations in Karachi, Pakistan, carried out as one component of the Religions and Development Research Programme. More findings will be presented at the research programme's international conference in Birmingham from 21 to 23 July 2010. Fri, 16 Jul 2010 12:23:00 GMT http://iddbirmingham.wordpress.com/2010/07/16/understanding-faith-based-organisations-in-pakistan/ Social Sciences