24 February 2015

Councils need 'reinventing' for the 21st century warns think tank

Local government needs a 'radical rethink' to examine 'what councils are for', according to a report from think tank MCA.

Local Government – Time for Reinvention says local authorities have done well so far in the face of cuts but warns 'government support may disappear altogether'.

MCA, which represents consultants working for local authorities, is calling for a major national conference to examine the role and future of local government early in the new parliament.

The report also says localism should 'go well beyond devolution of services to councils', by allowing communities to opt out of council delivery structures and create their own 'free services'.

Paul Connolly, director of the MCA Think Tank, and author of the report, said: 'We need to define what local authorities are for - then reinvent them for the 21st century.'

Peter Hogg, head of government and municipals at built asset consultancy EC Harris, agreed that local government was in a period of radical change.

'However, in order to support the sector, the advisory profession for which the MCA speaks needs to play its part too.

'Advisors need to recognise the value of creating pragmatic, implementable solutions that stand up not just to the rational scrutiny of the executives who commission the work but also to the political scrutiny of elected members and the emotional scrutiny of the citizen who is paying for and receiving the service.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Part Time Finance Administrator

Essex County Council
Up to £25081.00 per annum + Pro Rata
Part Time Finance AdministratorPermanent, Part Time£25,081 per annum, full time equivalentLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Customer Services Adviser (Housing Repairs

Mansfield District Council
£28,598 - £33,699 per annum
Mansfield is a town of towns at the centre of things in Nottinghamshire - a place of many strong connections Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Mansfield District Council

No Wrong Door Deputy Manager

North Yorkshire Council
From £47,181 up to £51,356 per annum pro rata
We’re looking for a passionate, driven, and dynamic professional to join our management team within our innovative No Wrong Door (NWD) service. Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Senior Resource Centre Worker

North Yorkshire Council
£34,434 - £38,220 per annum pro rata
You will work closely with families and other professionals to ensure that you have sound knowledge of the children you are caring for Morton on Swale, Northallerton
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Social Worker

North Yorkshire Council
£38,220 - £42,839 per annum, pro rata
Our Family Assessment and Support Teams you will work with a range of children and their families, carers and networks. Selby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner