Zoe Franklin MP, the Liberal Democrats' local government spokesperson, issued a pointed warning to Andy Burnham at the Local Government Association (LGA) Conference, warning that Labour cannot use devolution to delay local elections again.
Franklin argued that Government ‘doesn't trust local government,’ despite devolution being an issue with rare cross-party agreement. She said the real debate was not whether power leaves Whitehall, but how it does so, insisting devolution must be rooted in local decision-making – with rural affairs made a priority for mayors and strategic authorities.
She also flagged local government reorganisation as one of the biggest challenges facing the sector and warned that devolution ‘only works if councils have financial security,’ criticising current exceptional financial support as ‘not exceptional and not support.’
Franklin also joined calls for a sustainable Government solution to social care funding.
On planning, session chair Cllr Bridget Smith, the leader of the Liberal Democrat Group in the LGA, noted local planning authorities approve over 90% of applications, arguing local government is not the obstacle policymakers claim when it comes to delivering on housing.
Smith also criticised national government for ‘rowing back’ on climate action, while Franklin said councils remain innovative on climate but need a stronger voice in Westminster.
