Local Governance

I attended a very interesting talk in Gloucester on the future of Local Governance.  The topics covered where:

THE LOCAL GOVERNANCE DEBATE

What is the Debate?

• Genuine debate on governance & reorganisation – no decisions taken
• Wide debate – what is the best form of governance for a local area in the 21^st century
• Note a sterile unitary v two-tier debate – rather looking at innovative governance options
• An opportunity now to think about and discuss ideas and options
• Government to finalise its position on reorganisation in White Paper mid-2006.

KEY QUESTIONS

When considering the best future governance arrangements for a local area, key questions are:

• How to provide strategic leadership at the local level
• Strong visible accountable leadership is essential if places are to develop a vision for the future and achieve?
• How to ensure that there is genuine neighbourhood flexibility
• Whatever governance arrangements people need to be empowered as individuals and as local communities
• How to ensure Value for Money
• Integrated and co-ordinated high quality public services – need to be delivered efficiently no matter who provides the service?

ISSUES AND QUESTIONS

• What areas are we talking about – existing 2 tier areas – approach to existing unitary authorities
• Links to city regions agenda
• Size of a future local area
• Co-terminosity with other delivery partners
• Efficiency and value for money
• Financial issues – can up-front transitional costs be managed within the resource envelope
• Empowerment and Participation – how do we represent and empower market towns, parishes and neighbourhoods

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

• White Paper mid-2006 on the future of local government
• At same time, finalise position on reorganisation

If debate provides a ‘yes’

• Invite proposals from local government for restructuring
• Agreed proposals implemented by primary legislation

QUESTIONS FOR TODAY

What is the debate in your area?

What are your ideas for future governance?

Is change worthwhile?

If so, how do we best do it?

 

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