Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has emphasised the government’s commitment to resetting the relationship between central and local government.
With councils up and down the country finding themselves in increasing financial peril thanks to pressures on demand and funding, the government’s commitment to supporting councils further could make a real difference in the financial stability of local government. This should also bring significant improvements to public service delivery for communities.
This announcement came as the Deputy Prime Minister, who is also the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, spoke yesterday at the Local Government Association Conference in Harrogate. In her speech, Rayner told attendees:
“We know what’s possible when you give people with skin in the game the power to change lives.
“And, after an incredibly difficult few years, it’s time to unleash that power, which means resetting the relationship with local government and rebuilding its foundations. It means ditching the slogans and gimmicks and going back to basics: delivering services that people can rely on.”
Responding to this commitment, LGA Chair Cllr Louise Gittins said:
“We are delighted that the Government has acted on our call for a relationship reset and a new way of working with local government.
“As we set out in our Local Government White Paper, it is time for a new, equal and respectful partnership between local and central government. Meeting the challenges of the coming decade will require a new, joined-up and strengthened system of governance that is sharply focused on improving people’s lives.”
During her speech, the Deputy Prime Minister also confirmed that the government will consult on reforms to the local government standards framework with this introducing proposals to improving councillor standards. Not only is the government working to improve the standards for councillors that may not be meeting the highest standards, but it is also going to address the threats and abuse that they may face.
Touching on this, Rayner said:
“Too often I speak to dedicated councillors who are facing death threats and intimidation, and I take this very seriously and recognise the impact this has on the lives of dedicated public servants and their families.
“That’s why we are taking decisive action to prevent councillors from being subjected to intimidation and harassment by removing the requirement for members’ home addresses to be published.”
The Local Government Association has also published a response to this announcement, welcoming this positive step for councillors, Cllr Marianne Overton and Cllr Gittins commented:
“Today’s announcements show the Government is serious about working with councils on issues that are important to them.
“High standards of councillor conduct are vital for maintaining trust in councils and the decisions they make on behalf of local communities. Any changes should be evidence-based and place councillors at the heart of the discussion.
“Confirmation that the Government will look to legislate to put it beyond doubt that councillors should not have to publish their home addresses is good news for councils, councillors and communities.
“The LGA looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that proposals on councillor standards, declaring home addresses, and making sure virtual attendance at council meetings works and is in the interest of councils and their communities.”
At the event, the Deputy Prime Minister also announced the launch of the Leaders’ Council, with this bringing the partnership that will drive the improved relationship between central and local government.
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