Dan Peters 16 July 2020

Better response to pandemic from European councils, says think-tank

Local government across Europe has been able to react to the coronavirus crisis with greater power and autonomy than in the UK, a report published today has found.

The report by think-tank Localis, commissioned and published by the Local Government Association (LGA), said that across the western world councils have been able to react with greater power and autonomy than in Britain.

Ahead of this autumn’s devolution and recovery White Paper, the LGA urged the Government to explore giving councils the power to raise more money locally, such as through a tourist or e-commerce levy, and giving local authorities greater control over how national taxation, such as income tax and fuel duty, is spent.

The LGA said this was crucial to ensure every part of the country bounced back from the economic shock of coronavirus.

Cllr Kevin Bentley, chairman of the LGA’s People and Places Board, said: 'England is an outlier when it comes to fiscal devolution with international communities having much greater levels of financial freedom.

'As we look ahead towards the long process of economic and social recovery, this gap in local power and autonomy across England risks seeing our communities fall ever further behind.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner