As first was going to press, we were awaiting a delayed white paper on devolution. The Government’s intentions may be to decentralise power, but I am concerned that some of its proposals will undermine local democracy, rather than empower it.
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.
‘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.
The LGA’s former Chairman and Conservative Peer Lord Gary Porter enjoyed sharing some ‘good’ gossip at the LGA’s annual conference.
How can we help to bring health into the development decision-making process, without placing yet another burden on already overstretched local government officers?
Local leaders quizzed government ministers about devolution, adult social care, homelessness, special needs education and transport, climate change and roads at last week’s LGA Councillors’ Forum.
The Devolution APPG provided an open forum for local leaders and parliamentarians.
