Author: andrewbrightwell
Governance and 25 years of scrutiny
This piece, written by Ed Hammond, was originally published by the LGC, explains what we can learn from the moment that executive and scrutiny were separated in English and Welsh local authority governance
Why we’re working together to help councils make the most of LGR
Today our three organisations – Anthony Collins, the Centre for Governance and Scrutiny (CfGS) and Collaborate CIC – are announcing an informal partnership to support councils on their road to local government reorganisation (LGR)
What we’re looking forward to at CfGS in 2026
We’re looking ahead to a year of learning, collaboration and impact in 2026
Annual conference 2026
CfGS’s annual conference in 2026 will be a special one – as we look back on 25 years of overview and scrutiny, and the local government act of 2000.
First reflections on Holding mayors to account: The future of scrutiny in devolved government
Camilla, Ed and Andrew reflect on the CfGS and London Assembly co-hosted conference dedicated to mayoral scrutiny
Making the map meaningful: identity and place governance in England’s new local state
The English Devolution Bill will reshape local governance through larger councils, stronger mayoral authorities and new neighbourhood duties. The challenge now is ensuring these new boundaries become real places – with identity, legitimacy and meaningful democratic connection
From mandatory to meaningful – insights on neighbourhood governance
In October our learning event sought to understand what a new neighbourhood governance duty will mean for councils – Mel Stevens reflects on what we heard
Holding mayors to account: The future of scrutiny in devolved government
Join the Centre for Governance and Scrutiny (CfGS) and the London Assembly on 27 November 2025 at City Hall, London for a one-day conference on the future of mayoral scrutiny. Explore reforms, impact and innovation in devolved government. Free to attend – places limited
21st Century Councillors event
We’re excited to share news of a free 21st Century Councillor event taking place in Andover on 4 November – giving councillors and officers the chance to discuss how elected members can adapt, lead and thrive in a rapidly changing landscape for local democracy