Business & Finance
Whole place reform vital if government to deliver ambitious national missions, Localis report urges
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- New Localis report calls on the government to make it easier for local leaders to adopt proactive and preventative approaches to service provision and encourage collaborative partnership working across the public and private sector.
- The report suggests that the government could do this by restoring stability to council finances as a foundation from which to deliver on national renewal missions.
Switching now to a ‘whole place’ model of local public service reform would support the new government’s ambitious national missions and offer a unique opportunity to enact lasting change after a decade of decline among English councils, a new report published today by Localis argues.
In a report entitled ‘Heart of the matter – getting to grips with whole place transformation’, independent think-tank Localis recommends the new government should restore stability to council finances with an immediate cash injection to steady the ship for frontline service delivery before charting a course to long-term financial sustainability. The study further recommends council workforce capacity also be addressed as among the first steps to long-term radical improvements.
The report authors call for a transformative renewal of place policy that balances the optimism of devolution and community empowerment with the stark realities of fiscal constraints and persistent economic challenges. Looking back to previous attempts at place-based reform, the paper advocates a whole place approach to improving local service outcomes that focuses on:
- empowering local leadership
with long-term, stable funding to make meaningful changes. - embedding preventative approaches by investing in upstream prevention to tackle issues at their source in a way that reduces demand on frontline services and leads to better outcomes.
- developing collaborative cultures across public, private and third sectors to create user-centred service provision.
- practicing community co-design
with meaningful engagement to meet the needs of local residents.
Localis chief executive, Jonathan Werran, said: “As we stand on the brink of a major shift in how we deliver public services, this report offers a roadmap for change where it counts, that is both ambitious and grounded in the practical realities faced by local government.
“‘Heart of the matter’ is a call to action for both local leaders and central government to work together to deliver the high-quality, sustainable public services our communities deserve.
“A transformative whole-place approach can deliver high-quality, efficient local services we all wish to see. Realising the prize will require both radical reform from central government and continued innovative action from local leaders if we are to get the improvements that can build a new and secure era for people and place.”
Sean Hanson, chief executive, IMPOWER, said: “Heart of the Matter puts beyond doubt what many local leaders already know –lasting social change and inclusive economic growth is only possible if we turn the promise of whole-place transformation into a reality.”
“The report’s findings look back on what has worked in the past, including investment in prevention, collaborative partnership working, and community empowerment. The report’s proposals look ahead to an exciting age of opportunity in which place leaders have the powers and resources to deliver growth that works for everyone and for the long term.”
“We look forward to working with and supporting leaders to ensure their places are primed for growth.”
END
Press enquiries:
Jonathan Werran, chief executive, Localis
(Telephone) 0870 448 1530 / (Mobile) 07967 100328 / (Email) [email protected]
IMPOWER, PLMR PR agency 0800 058 4219 [email protected]
Notes to Editors:
- An advance copy of the report is available for download
Online report launch | Heart of the matter – the foundational case for whole place transformation | Thursday 12 September from 11.00 to 12.00
We will debate the report and ask why radical whole place transformation is back on the agenda for placemaking and service provision and what this might deliver for communities and localities in the new political cycle.
Join us for from 11.00 to 12.00 for the online report launch of ‘Heart of the Matter’ on Thursday 12 September.
Speakers will include:
- Cllr Abi Brown, Chair, LGA Improvement and Innovation Board
- Sean Hanson, Chief Executive, IMPOWER
- Professor Colin Copus, Localis Fellow
- Kate Martin, Executive Director, City Futures, Sheffield City Council
For more details and to register – please click here:
- About Localis
Localis is an independent think-tank dedicated to issues related to politics, public service reform and localism. We carry out innovative research, hold events and facilitate an ever-growing network of members to stimulate and challenge the current orthodoxy of the governance of the UK.
About IMPOWER
Founded in 2000 by a local authority Chief Executive, IMPOWER brings together public and private sector experts to address complex challenges. We have partnered with over 150 UK councils, improving performance, enriching lives, and strengthening public services. This year, we are expanding our Place sector work to help more clients create thriving, sustainable communities.
Impower.co.uk
- Key report recommendations
The recommendations of this report represent an attempt to balance two imperatives, as informed by the research and engagement carried out over the course of the project. On the one hand, there is the need for radical, structural reformulation of the settlement between central and local government.
On the other, there is the need for councils to continue to find ways to deliver strategically and intelligently, in spite of a system which all too often works against such activity. The goal is to outline the principles which must undergird systemic reform whilst also highlighting the best practice and pragmatic action taken by councils managing to innovate in the system as it currently exists.
Local government recommendations
To continue to deliver for residents even under considerable pressure, the use of partnership models centring on upstream prevention will be crucial. An examination of best and emerging practices in this area informs the following recommendations:
- Plan to transform.
To help foster a collaborative culture, councils should produce transformational whole place service delivery plans, in collaboration with other agencies, to give a clear overview of the efficiency and quality of service delivery across an area.
- Model to prevent.
Councils should develop internal models for valuing prevention and review spending accordingly, to help ensure that they can adopt an outcomes-focused approach to reducing demand on frontline services.
- Prime for good growth.
Being primed for good growth will be key to sustaining long-term transformation. Councils should set out what good growth looks like over the immediate, medium and long-term as part of the forthcoming statutory local growth plans.
- Work in partnership.
Councils should form partnerships and pool resources with local partners across the public, private and third sectors. Operating with severely restricted capacity that is mostly outside of their control, it is more important than ever that councils lead collaboratively.
- Deliver through innovation.
Councils should work with private and third sector partners to establish innovative vehicles for regeneration, with explicit mandates to use procurement and other strategic functions to promote local economic growth.
- Empower people.
Local partnerships should embed a culture of community engagement and empowerment. This means adopting an asset-led and strengths-based approach, focusing on trust building, and develop different channels of communication with diverse communities. Mechanisms for collaboration should be built into the process of formulating strategy and devising policy across all policy areas.
Central government recommendations
To lay the groundwork for this transformation and equip local authorities to deliver on national priorities by providing high quality, sustainable public services and strategic, dynamic placemaking for economic development, a new deal for local government must meet the following requirements:
- Steady the ship.
As an interim measure, central government must make an immediate cash injection into local authorities for frontline service delivery, to restore sustainability to core services and halt decline in neighbourhood service provision. The immediate focus of spend could be on the improvement of the built and natural environment to deliver a visible uplift, followed by investment in community services, longer-term housing improvements and preventative measures at neighbourhood level.
- Chart a course to sustainability.
Looking to the future, there must be an examination of local government revenue sources, including fiscal devolution, to chart a course to longer-term sustainability.
- Fill the capacity gap.
To accelerate efforts to fill the local government capacity gap and ensure the workforce is properly equipped to address the service challenges of the future, government must work with the Local Government Association (LGA) to further develop and scale-up employment and training programmes.
- Invest in prevention.
The new funding settlement must commit to the value of upstream prevention
and look to move beyond the ‘discretionary’ categorisation of non-statutory services, recognising the value of these services in reducing frontline demand.
- Value outcomes.
The success of local growth plans should be evaluated on public service outcomes as well as economic indicators.
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Business & Finance
EU’s Regulatory Shift: A Boon for Small Tech Firms
New EU regulations targeting tech monopolies promise to level the playing field, offering unprecedented opportunities for smaller tech companies to thrive. Explore how these changes could reshape the industry.
In a decisive move aimed at curbing the dominance of technology giants, the European Union has implemented a suite of new regulations designed to foster competition and innovation within the industry. Announced by the European Commission on May 21, 2026, these measures are part of a broader strategy to dismantle monopolistic practices and empower smaller players in the tech sector. The Financial Times reported that this regulatory shift could herald a new era for startups and small businesses, offering them a unique opportunity to compete on a more level playing field.
For years, the EU has tussled with tech behemoths over issues ranging from data privacy to market monopolies. These latest regulations, however, mark a significant escalation in the EU’s efforts to promote fair competition. By targeting the monopolistic practices that have long stifled smaller competitors, the EU aims to dismantle barriers that have historically protected the interests of large corporations. This shift is timely, as innovation increasingly emerges from smaller tech companies that often lack the resources to challenge established giants.
The current regulatory framework introduces stringent measures that impose limits on data sharing, promote transparency in algorithms, and mandate interoperability between platforms. These measures, as detailed by the European Commission, aim to dismantle the walls that have allowed tech giants to corner markets and stifle competition. Smaller firms, often more agile and innovative, stand to benefit immensely. By ensuring that platforms cannot unfairly prioritize their own services, these regulations open doors for startups to enter markets previously dominated by a few large players.
Market analysts have noted that these changes could lead to a renaissance in tech innovation across Europe. Smaller companies, unburdened by the constraints of battling entrenched incumbents, are likely to experiment with new technologies and business models. For instance, the requirement for interoperability could lead to the development of new collaborative platforms that challenge existing ecosystems. As a result, consumers may see a surge in diverse product offerings tailored to specific needs, driven by smaller companies eager to carve out niche markets.
The response from tech giants has been predictably cautious. While some have expressed willingness to comply, others have raised concerns about the potential for stifling innovation and increasing operational costs. However, proponents of the regulations argue that true innovation thrives in competitive environments. By breaking the hold of tech monopolies, the EU is not only fostering a fairer market but also driving the industry towards a more dynamic and responsive future.
Looking ahead, these regulatory changes could catalyze a shift in the global tech landscape. As smaller companies gain traction and challenge the status quo, the ripple effects may extend beyond Europe, influencing regulatory approaches worldwide. This development promises to reshape the dynamics of the tech industry, offering a glimpse of a future where innovation is driven by diversity and competition, rather than the dominance of a select few.
Business & Finance
AI Revolutionizes Cryptocurrency Trading with Real-Time Analysis
AI algorithms are transforming cryptocurrency trading by offering real-time analysis and unprecedented efficiency. This article explores the technological advancements and their impact on the crypto market.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the cryptocurrency trading landscape, a fact made clear by recent reports from Bloomberg. The integration of AI algorithms into trading strategies is providing unprecedented real-time analysis and efficiency, a development that is attracting significant attention from investors eager to capitalize on the volatile yet lucrative crypto markets.
In May 2026, Bloomberg highlighted how AI technologies are enabling traders to process vast amounts of market data at speeds unattainable by human analysts. This capability allows for the detection of patterns and trends that might otherwise go unnoticed, offering a competitive edge to those who harness these tools. The real-time nature of these analyses means traders can make decisions based on the most current market conditions, enhancing the potential for profitable trades.
The application of AI in cryptocurrency trading is not merely a theoretical concept but a practical reality transforming investment strategies. For instance, hedge funds and institutional investors are increasingly relying on machine learning models to predict price movements and optimize trading algorithms. These models can analyze a myriad of factors, from market sentiment to historical price data, adjusting trading strategies dynamically in response to new information.
AI’s role in enhancing trading efficiency is particularly crucial in the cryptocurrency markets, where volatility is a constant challenge. The ability to swiftly process and react to market changes can mean the difference between a lucrative trade and a significant loss. This agility is driving interest from tech-savvy investors who are keen to leverage innovation for financial gain.
However, the rise of AI in cryptocurrency trading is not without its challenges. Regulators are grappling with the implications of these technologies, as traditional oversight mechanisms struggle to keep pace with rapid technological advancements. There is an ongoing debate about the need for new regulatory frameworks to ensure fair and transparent trading practices.
Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of AI in cryptocurrency trading are substantial. As the technology continues to evolve, it is likely to drive further innovation in the financial sector, offering new opportunities for growth and investment. Investors and firms that can effectively integrate AI into their trading strategies are poised to thrive in this new digital era.
The future of cryptocurrency trading appears increasingly intertwined with AI technology. As more traders adopt these advanced tools, the market dynamics will likely shift, favoring those who can adapt quickly to technological changes. The ongoing integration of AI into cryptocurrency trading not only heralds a new era of financial innovation but also underscores the transformative power of technology in shaping the future of finance.
Business & Finance
The Rise of Green Finance in Europe: Challenges and Limitations
Explore the burgeoning field of green finance in Europe, focusing on the critical challenges and limitations that could shape its future. This article provides a thorough analysis of the barriers to sustainable investment growth and the potential implications for investors.
As the sun rises over Europe’s financial districts, a new wave of investment strategies is beginning to take shape. Green finance, a term that encapsulates financial investments flowing into sustainable and environmentally friendly projects, is gaining traction across the continent. However, beneath the surface of this promising trend lie significant challenges that could impede its progress.
The current landscape of green finance in Europe is characterized by an increasing number of funds and initiatives aimed at supporting sustainable development. The European Union has been at the forefront, implementing a comprehensive framework that encourages green investments. This includes the EU Green Deal and the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR), which aim to direct capital flows towards sustainable economic activities. Despite these efforts, the journey towards a universally green financial system is fraught with obstacles.
One of the primary challenges facing green finance is the lack of standardized definitions and metrics. What exactly constitutes a ‘green’ investment can vary significantly across regions and sectors, leading to confusion and inconsistency. This lack of clarity can result in greenwashing, where investments are marketed as sustainable without meeting rigorous environmental criteria. The absence of a unified taxonomy complicates efforts to assess and compare the sustainability of different financial products.
Moreover, the transition to green finance is hindered by the existing financial infrastructure. Traditional financial systems are deeply entrenched, often prioritizing short-term gains over long-term sustainability. This systemic inertia makes it difficult for green initiatives to gain a foothold. Additionally, many investors are still skeptical about the profitability of sustainable investments, perceiving them as risky or less lucrative compared to conventional options.
Another significant limitation is the uneven distribution of green finance across Europe. While countries like Germany and the Nordic nations have made substantial progress in integrating sustainable practices, others lag behind due to economic and regulatory disparities. This imbalance poses a challenge to achieving a cohesive and effective green finance strategy across the continent.
The role of technology and innovation in overcoming these challenges cannot be overstated. Advancements in fintech, such as blockchain and artificial intelligence, have the potential to enhance transparency and efficiency in green finance. These technologies can help track and verify the environmental impact of investments, thus building trust and credibility in the market.
Despite these hurdles, the future of green finance in Europe holds promising opportunities. As awareness of climate change grows, so does the demand for sustainable financial products. Investors are increasingly recognizing the long-term benefits of aligning their portfolios with environmental goals. Furthermore, regulatory pressures and societal expectations are likely to drive more companies towards sustainable practices, thereby expanding the scope of green finance.
In conclusion, while the rise of green finance in Europe is a step in the right direction, it is not without its challenges. Addressing the issues of standardization, infrastructure, and regional disparities will be crucial in unlocking the full potential of sustainable investments. As Europe navigates these complexities, the outcome will not only shape the future of its financial markets but also its commitment to a sustainable global economy.
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