William Eichler 24 November 2023

MPs launch inquiry into controversial watchdog

MPs launch inquiry into controversial watchdog image
Image: echoevg / Shutterstock.com.

An inquiry looking at the remit of the controversial Office for Local Government (Oflog) was launched by MPs today.

The inquiry will consider how the new local government watchdog will engage with local authorities to help raise performance and improve outcomes.

It will also look at how Oflog will support levelling up, the body’s use of data, and how this will help local government performance.

Clive Betts, chair of the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee, said: ‘The new Office for Local Government has multiple objectives, tasked with providing local government with better data to help improve performance while also equipping Whitehall with a further tool to exercise accountability to central government.

‘In our new inquiry, we want to examine how Oflog intends to manage its remit and serve the public by making data on local services more transparent and accessible.

The Local Government Association (LGA) has voiced concerns over Oflog’s remit and the new watchdog has been criticised for not engaging enough with local government experts.

Mr Betts said: ‘In a climate of continuing financial pressures on councils and rising demands on services, we also want to assess how far Oflog will work in partnership with local government to help improve performance.’

If this article was of interest, then check out 'Intervening at the local level' by Nick Graham, director for Legal & Democratic Services at Buckinghamshire Council.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Social Worker

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£46,206 - £55,992
Senior Social Worker
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Waste Operations Support Officers

Durham County Council
£29,071 - £32,046
Temporary until 1 June 2029   Refuse and Recycling are looking for 3 Waste Operations Support Officer to work in the South and East of County Durham. Peterlee
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Recovery Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 7 - £31,015 – £34,811 per annum.
Do you want to make a real difference to the lives of people experiencing hoarding and self-neglect behaviours?   As an Agile Recovery Worker within o Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Finance Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 7, £30,024 - £33,699 per annum. Pay award pending.
We are seeking a Finance Officer to join DurhamLearn, where you will play a key role in supporting the financial administration, budget monitoring and Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Work Consultant

Durham County Council
Grade 13 - £47,181 - £51,356 (Pay Award Pending)
Do you believe every child deserves to grow up feeling loved, safe, and supported, with a lasting sense of family, belonging, and stability?   Are you Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner