We enter 2022 with everything to play for.
The planning reforms that would have centralised power away from councils are under new management with Secretary of State Michael Gove.
So is the voracious demand for 300,000 new dwellings – every year. How does that fit with reducing our impact on Earth, or is COP26 already ‘so last year’?
Our group is calling for house building to match local needs and facilities, for the five-year land supply rule to be scrapped, and local determination of resident need.
We see a rethink on devolution, of power and money. Devolution should be to all councils, not a reward for dissolving a council’s identity and handing power into a single pair of hands.
The new changes to care do not tackle the long-term funding of the current service. It’s a service built on sand and our residents deserve more.
While the Government has been in disarray at times, local government continues to be steadfast, an asset to our residents and a trusted pillar of democracy.
Our role as councillors has never been so important as we support our communities and businesses to navigate the pandemic.
“While the Government has been in disarray, local government continues to be steadfast”
Our LGA group continues to support our members to be the best they can, through events, peer support, candidate school, and other development opportunities.
In February, we will be sorry to lose Sarah Woodhouse, but welcome Abigail Gallop as our new Head of Group Office, working with Aimee and Noleen. Get in touch if we can help: [email protected]