Taking LGIU members’ views to the Minister

I was fortunate to meet with Jim McMahon MP, Minister for Local Government and English Devolution, yesterday. It was a wide-ranging and interesting discussion as you might expect given the number of ideas and policy initiatives emerging at the moment.

The emphasis I heard on the devolving of power and control – which the Minister has made no secret about – promises potentially exciting developments to come. That the focus of devolution is Mayors remains clear to all.

The sector is eager to learn more details about the government’s plans, and we look forward to greater clarity before the end of the year. What is heartening, though, is that local government now has a Minister who understands the sector’s importance and is willing to work in partnership with local and regional leaders. The 2014 Cllr Awards Leader of the Year no less…

But while we await details of long-term reform, it is important that the government does not lose sight of the immediate inputs that the sector needs, particularly around funding. We know that the promised mult-year settlements are not for this year, but given that pressures on council services are only going in one direction, local government urgently needs details of emergency funding provision.

The LGIU together with our members will continue to build the evidence base that makes the case for new ways of working for local government. We are currently drafting and consulting on a roadmap for financial resilience for the sector utilising and evolving the extensive research we have carried out both across the UK and internationally.