Mary Douglas: Defending freedom of speech as a local councillor was a battle worth fighting

It is essential for good relationships and good choices. It enables us to explore together what it is to be human.

What Conservative council leaders told us about the virus, Ministers – and lockdowns

Most said they had enough money. There was praise for Local Government Ministers – but exasperation with the Government overall.

Gerard Dugdill: Anger persists over the loss of our traditional counties. Proper names and boundaries must be restored.

You wouldn’t want your name to be changed against your will, and nobody voted for their history to be rewritten by bureaucrats.

Andrew Carter: Devolving responsibilities to our town halls must also mean devolving money

We should be asking ourselves what we want from local government in the future, particularly in light of the Covid-19 crisis.

Rupert Barnes: Councils don’t define our local sense – which comes from the inherited character of where we live

Changes in administrative boundaries are resisted because of suspicion that they are seeking to change our identity.

John Fuller: This pandemic has shown that bigger local government does not mean better local government

While national command and control sometimes stumbled, our district councils ensured that we could keep calm and carry on.

Douglas Pullen: Zoom has boosted participation in local democracy

In Lichfield, I predict we will see a change with our next cohort of councillors. Those with jobs and young families will find it easier to take part.

Switching to more unitary authorities and directly elected mayors must be achieved by consent

There can be benefits to democracy – and efficiency from reform. But change must come from below – not be imposed from the top.

Gareth Lyon: In defence of district councils

Local identities matter. Rather than abolishing small local authorities, more power should be handed down to them.

Ged Mirfin: Real identity politics is about a sense of place

Forced, and arbitrary, local government reorganisation risks ignoring community wishes.

Peter Golds: I’m delighted that outdated election law is being reviewed

The Electoral Commission stumbles from one crisis to another – while proven voter fraud goes unpunished.

Sandy Verma: Labour has let Leicester down

It is the Conservatives who have spoken out over illegal and dangerous exploitation at local factories.

Mark Pengelly and Ayesha Azad: In Woking, the technological revolution will continue after the crisis has ended

There is a strong case for making greater use of these tools: to allow wider participation and more transparent decision-making.

Sally-Ann Hart: Unitary status for local government is required without further delay

It can provide councils that are more efficient, cost effective, and customer focused, without giving up accountability.

Stephanos Ioannou: Ending weekly bin collections in Enfield ignores the wishes of residents

Conservatives have identified savings that would allow the service to be restored.