17.10.16
LGA urged to approve new Unitary Councils Network
Unitary councils are seeking permission from the LGA to form their own special interest group.
Papers published for the LGA leadership board meeting on 19 October recommend approving the proposals, from Cllr Paul Bettison OBE, leader of Bracknell Forest Council.
A group of councils may apply to form a special interest group in order to advocate for their interests within the LGA if at least 10 councils commit to joining.
The proposals are already supported by 16 unitary authorities – Bracknell Forest, Bournemouth, Cheshire East, Isle of Wight, Luton, Medway, North Lincolnshire, North Somerset, Plymouth City, Portsmouth City, Rutland, Swindon, Telford & Wrekin, West Berkshire, Windsor & Maidenhead and Wokingham.
In his letter to Mark Lloyd, CEO of the LGA, Cllr Bettison noted that the number of eventual member councils is expected to be “far higher”.
He said he is “very concerned” about unitary councils’ lack of input into proposed business rates reforms. Because they have no special interest group, they have no voice in the Communities and Local Government Committee working group, Cllr Bettison added.
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