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

Relocation Officer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
SO2- £40,182- £42,060
We are recruiting two Relocation Officers to support households Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Social Worker Level 2

Royal Borough of Greenwich
PO3 - £45,750 to £49,056
The post is offered initially as a one-year secondment Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Assistant Service Manager

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£48,873 - £59,220
Assistant Service ManagerPO5 £48,873 - ... Wandsworth, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Children's Practitioner - Didcot

Oxfordshire County Council
£38,220 - £40,777
About the Role We are looking for a dedicated Children's Practitioner to join our Family Safeguarding & Support (FSS) team and deliver exceptional service to children, young people, and families. In this role, you will manage a caseload aligned with you Didcot
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Social Worker - Mental Health Team

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£34,434 - £44,075
We’re Kirklees – Come and Join our team Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Linkedin Banner