Following the recent local elections, this issue of Government Business looks at several areas of local government the newly elected councillors will face as they begin their roles.

Procurement Services write about evolving public sector procurement with regards to the Procurement Act and Local Government Reorganisation.

The Fire Protection Association argue that true fire resilience is created during construction and the Fire Industry Association write about mental health in the fire safety sector. NICEIC examine the role of electrical compliance and contractor competency in maintaining safe and fit-for-purpose public‑sector buildings.

The Property Care Association discuss Responsible Planting, AEO explain how to hold a sustainable event and BICSc highlight how competency-based cleaning reduces operational and compliance risk across public sector buildings.

We've also got previews to several of the events coming up over the summer months.

Polly Jones, editor