These are the personal views of Yinnon Ezra, Specialist Advisor for Libraries, and not those of DCMS. I mentioned in my first blog that the response of one of my close friends to taking up the job of part-time DCMS Public Libraries Advisor was to get myself a bright costume and some “superpowers”, as in his […]
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CLOA Blog
Fighting culture’s corner in an age of austerity
I was invited to hear the Rt Hon Maria Miller MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, give a speech on “Testing Times – Fighting culture’s corner in an age of austerity”. Held at the British Museum – what a fantastic inspiring venue, established in 1759 and the UK’s number 1 visitor attraction. Introduced […]
The single cultural conversation – making a difference locally
The Local Government Association (LGA) and Arts Council England (ACE), through the single cultural conversation framework have committed to working together so that there can be a joint understanding of shared priorities, key issues and investment. Local conversations between ACE and local authorities focusing upon the cultural offer will inform the single conversation at national […]
Strategic leadership needed on public health
At our recent health and well-being round table the key message coming through was that sport and physical activity professionals must show leadership at a strategic level to meet the challenges of the public health agenda. The roundtable, facilitated by CLOA and hosted by the Local Government Association, drew upon expertise from organisations including CIMSPA, […]
The Future of National Trails
The 15 National Trails of England are one of its greatest assets offering the public an opportunity to walk, cycle and ride through many beautiful and historic parts of the country. They have all been created by linking existing local footpaths, bridleways and minor roads and by developing new ones where there were gaps. Their […]
The future for local library services
First of all – I’d like to wish everyone all the best for 2013. 2012 will be a hard act to follow – it was an amazing year for culture and sport, and provided a much needed morale boost in these challenging economic times. Local people and places came together to cheer Team GB […]
Procurement options and analysis ‘Think Tank’
Keen to provide a platform for best practice in procurement and options analysis for leisure services, I recently facilitated a Think Tank with Amardeep Gill, Partner – Trowers and Hamlins. The session was designed to share lessons learned and promote the development of more effective partnerships, leisure contracts and outcomes. Nine leading local authorities were represented, some of whom had […]
When your past catches up with you!
Public Libraries are a “statutory service”; Local Authorities are required under the law to provide a “comprehensive and efficient” service. But, unlike Schools and some Social Services NO direct cash comes from Government to support Public Libraries. Local Councils have to fund them through the Council Tax along with everything else. Also as many […]
The Pennies are dropping about the role of local authorities in supporting Sports Development
The old adage “never waste a crisis” appears to be so true these days. The pace of change and impacts on the shape of the services we provide is profound. The very real threat of the re-scoping (or even whole withdrawal) of local authority sport services appears to be focusing minds of Sport England and […]
UK Public Parks Summit – Protecting investment, promoting innovation
The UK’s first Public Parks Summit was held at the most fitting Royal Geographical Society which overlooks London’s magnificent Hyde Park, which could almost make you forget that we are in what feels to be a Narnian winter of austerity. While the agenda was perhaps a little too ambitious, there were a few key take […]
