The role of innovation in the improvement of public services is one of a range of research papers and reports relating to local government improvement published within the past two weeks.

These include:

Innovation and its contribution to improvement: a review for policy makers, policy advisors, managers and researchers
Department for Communities and Local Government Publications
This report presents an overview of innovation and its contribution to the improvement of public services. It considers what constitutes innovation in governance and public services and what its catalysts are, and discusses the process of innovation development in public services and the barriers to and facilitators of this. It also assesses the similarities and differences in innovation in the public and private sectors, and how these might condition understanding of innovation in the public sector.

Closer to people and places: a new vision for local government
Local Government Association
This details the key powers that the Local Overnment Association would like to see central government devolve to local people and town halls. It identifies five key issues: improving public services; widening access and choice to local people; allowing elected councillors to become more in touch with their communities; making better use of public taxes; and creating attractive, vibrant prosperous, safe and friendly places where people are proud to live. It discusses the need for people centred public services and argues for a transparent and accountable local taxation system where local government retains significantly more of the taxes already raised locally.

Neighbourhood crime and anti-social behaviour: making places safer through improved local working
Audit Commission
This paper considers how local agencies responsible for community safety can improve joint working and involve local people to make neighbourhoods safer and reduce the fear of crime. It explores the value for money from local crime interventions including neighbourhood policing teams, neighbourhood wardens and community safety wardens. It also highlights examples of good practice and makes recommendations for improving joint working at neighbourhood level.

This report has been provided by the IDOX Information Service, a subscription-based service which gathers together policy and practice on all aspects of local government work.