Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, the new Chair of the LGA, has called on the next Prime Minister to deliver ‘real devolution’, with power focused as near as possible to the communities it affects.
Cllr O’Brien, who is also leader of Bury Council, was elected as the new Chair of the Local Government Association, ahead of the start of its Annual Conference in Bournemouth.
On opening conference, Cllr O’Brien stressed how councils are ready to work with the next Prime Minister to build a modern and mature partnership that will rewire Britain and shape the long-term change that our communities need.
LGA Chair, Cllr O’Brien, said: “For the next Prime Minister to build a lasting future, it must be local. Confidence in delivery – and in our democracy – depends on every resident feeling the benefit of decisions made closer to home.
“Devolution must reach every part of the country, and it must be real devolution – power at the level as nearest as possible to the communities it affects. National government can only deliver if we have strong local government. It is the only way they can deliver on its priorities such as growth, health, housing and giving people every opportunity to thrive where they live.
“Councils are serving their communities every single day. Government needs councils to keep local high streets and town centres alive; to get local transport links right; to help ensure everyone has a safe place to live; to make sure parents have good schools to send their children to; to keep our vulnerable adults and children safe from harm and to help people gain the skills they need to find a job.
“Now is the time for our next Prime Minister to truly recognise local government as an equal partner for the future and genuinely empower councils and their communities to help make change happen. National government will find no stronger partner than local government.”
In its new position paper ‘Building lasting futures locally’, launched today, the LGA says by the next General Election, councils want to see:
Parents having confidence that schools will meet the needs of their child - government should bring forward legislation this year to deliver SEND reform and write off all high-needs deficits before March 2028
Young people having hope for the future and a stronger role in our economy – government should provide local and strategic authorities across all parts of England with the powers and funding to create a dedicated, place-based Youth Pathways Service that connects 16- to 24-year-olds with the local jobs, learning and support they need.
Families having access to safe, secure and affordable homes – government should support councils with the rising cost of temporary accommodation to allow more resources into preventing homelessness and the ability to deliver a groundbreaking council housebuilding renewal programme whilst, and work with local and strategic authorities on a coordinated national and regional approach to securing accommodation, particularly for vulnerable groups, reducing competition for scarce homes, easing community tensions and delivering better value for taxpayers.
Communities feeling safe and more united – government should invest in Community Safety Partnerships so councils can reduce pressure on communities, policing and the judiciary as well as tackling discrimination and misinformation that can drive community tensions.
Everyone can count on the right care and support being there when they need it – government must secure cross-party agreement on long-term funding for adult social care and enable councils to be equal partners in neighbourhood health, with the powers, representation, shared accountability and investment needed to build care and support around people and places,
ENDS
Notes to editors:
1. LGA Chair, Cllr Eamonn O’Brien’s full speech to conference (here) is available on the LGA’s website www.local.gov.uk
2. The LGA’s position paper is available on request
3. The LGA General Assembly also elected Group Leaders for the six LGA political groups following this year’s local elections:
Labour: Cllr Bev Craig (Manchester City Council)
Conservative: Cllr Kevin Bentley (Colchester City Council)
Reform UK: Cllr Stephen Atkinson (Lancashire County Council)
Lib Dem: Cllr Bridget Smith (South Cambridgeshire District Council)
Independent: Cllr Hannah Dalton (Epsom and Ewell Borough Council)
Green: Cllr Emily O'Brien (Lewes District Council)
4. For media seeking to attend the LGA’s conference in Bournemouth, taking place from July 7- 9, please email [email protected]