Local government is the beating heart of our communities. It is the councillor knocking on doors, the staff working tirelessly behind the scenes and the many services that shape the day-to-day lives of people across the country.
Councils are the foundation of our communities. From providing social care and housing to maintaining roads and parks, they play an essential role in daily life. However, as demands on local services grow, we must consider what it is local government needs to remain sustainable for the future.
The Government has big plans for more devolution in England, to empower local decision-making on behalf of communities.
This year’s Convention of the North provided a landmark moment for leaders, industry and policymakers in the region to come together as one and set out the North’s vision for future growth.
In January, North Tyneside’s Children’s Services were graded outstanding in all areas.
As any councillor knows, making sure we consider the views of all our residents is essential to shaping the future of our areas.
Tight budgets still threaten the public sector, demand still grows for our services. We are sick of saying ‘we need to do more with less’, but, sadly, it is still true.
We are publishing a new strategy to guide the LGA’s work over the next few years, as well as an accompanying financial plan.
The Government continues to deliver on its flagship commitment to construct 1.5 million new homes within this Parliament, having set out to bolster resources, streamline decision-making and promote local growth with an expansive package of housing interventions that will empower local areas and accelerate delivery of high-quality homes.
I have been a councillor since 2002 and this has been one of the most challenging budget processes I have been through. Why, one might ask?