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.'

Black hole spending review image

Black hole spending review

Jonathan Werran, chief executive of Localis, reflects on what the Spending Review means for local government.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Portage Worker - SEND and Inclusion

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235
Term-time only (plus one week) – Temporary for 18 months Term-time only (plus one week) – Temporary for 12 months   We are recruiting Portage Workers Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£34,314 - £37,938 (pre-progression) / £39,513 - £43,693 (post-progression)
We are looking for social workers who have completed their assessed and supported year in employment to join our Families First Service. WHAT IS INVO Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Receptionist

Durham County Council
£24,404 to £25,183 pro rata p.a. Grade 3 (£12.64 to £13.05 per hour)
Casual as and when required opportunity is available Spennymoor Leisure Centre. WHAT IS INVOLVED? In this role you will professionally welcome custom Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Supervisory Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
2x Lunchtime Supervisory Assistant Vacancies Would you like to work with a group of wonderful children in order to help them to have a happy and sett Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Enhanced Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711?pro rata
Enhanced Teaching Assistant Grade 5     £25,584 - £27,711?pro rata Full time, Term Time Only + 2 Weeks Temporary – required from 1st September 2025 un Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner