We are in tempestuous times, with UK Government announcements expected in a white paper on devolution, local government reform, and the provisional finance settlement – all in the week before Christmas.
We have called for devolution of power and money to our councils as they are, but it seems it now has to come with reorganisation, which many of our members, in district councils especially, find unhelpful and unwelcome.
The LGA has lost more than 200 members in dissolving councils in just one area, and now it seems the Government is looking to repeat the process with up to 12 areas.
Also, the Government’s plans for “strengthening the teeth” of councillor standards may be a good thing, but how do we ensure that it is not the bullies using the system to their political advantage?
There is a lot for us to work on.
The LGA’s Independent Group is drawing on the experience and requests of its members with a devolution working group, and our fortnightly council leader forum and monthly opposition leader forum.
“Devolution now has to come with reorganisation, which many find unhelpful and unwelcome”
Our new constitution was successfully passed at our AGM in Harrogate in July. That meeting was also a heart-searching discussion of the way in which our Independent Group recognises and includes all of its member groups, and our group executive has now taken on this work.
Our next event is huge – our LGA Independent Group annual conference in Berkshire from 10-11 January – which I know will be a happy and exciting event, focusing on our work for our members and residents.
It is not to be missed and will have fundamental implications for our group and wider afield, as the devolution white paper should be out for consultation at the same time. Come along and make your voices heard!