‘Real’ devolution means ensuring local communities that choose not to be served by metro mayors have the same opportunities to thrive, delegates at the LGA’s annual conference were told.
Cllr Vikki Slade MP, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Housing, Communities and Local Government, said otherwise decisions would be made “even further” away from local people.
In a speech focused on councils’ financial difficulties, the former Leader of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council highlighted three key pressure points – social care, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and homelessness and temporary accommodation.
These services “impact on the most vulnerable people in our society”: finding solutions to the funding crisis therefore requires a focus on prevention, such as supporting people to get the right education and enabling people to stay in their own homes.
For example, SEND funding “needs fundamental reform to transform outcomes for young people”.
“These children deserve the same chances as everyone else. They want to have friends, enjoy sport, have a job when they grow up, live independently… all things that will reduce their burden on the state,” she said.
With more than 100 former councillors of all parties now sitting as MPs, she reassured delegates that “the issues you face every day are being championed in Westminster”.