Ellie Ames 02 December 2024

Report finds ‘alarming erosion of governance capacity’

Report finds ‘alarming erosion of governance capacity’ image
Image: Panumas Yanuthai / Shutterstock.com

Governance within councils must be improved if local public finances are to be rebuilt, a think-tank has argued.

In a new report that revealed ‘an alarming erosion of governance capacity’, think-tank Localis said English councils should recommit to the Nolan principles, which set out standards of behaviour in public life.

Local authorities must ‘create organisational cultures that embrace challenge and criticism and hold town hall leaders accountable’, the report says.

It also calls for the formation of a national body or set of local bodies to oversee the local audit system, and calls for councils to get more resources to clear the backlog of audits.

Other recommendations include more protection for monitoring officers to perform their duties, reviews of whistleblowing policies, and strengthened internal audit functions so councils are more able to identify emerging financial threats.

Localis chief executive Jonathan Werran said: ‘Many councils are already actively engaged in reform and organisational development to respond to the challenges we identified and many of the recommendations are drawn from this best practice.

‘However, there is still work to be done in universalising a reformist mindset in the sector and ensuring that an ethos of public service, combined with long-term, strategic thinking, guides local decision-making and service provision everywhere in England.’

For more on this report from Localis and Grant Thornton LLP, check out Renewing and reforming local governance

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner