New LGA chairman Sir Simon Milton has invited party group leaders to set up a cross-party commission to look at the feasibility of locally-run health services.
In his inaugural speech as new chairman he told delegates at the LGA conference in Birmingham this afternoon: ‘There have been reports that the Prime Minister wants to create an independent board to run the health service. But I say these services should be run closer to the people not further from them. We should be allowed to create a local health service to rival the NHS.’
He added: ‘So I am inviting the group leaders today to establish a cross-party commission to examine the practicalities of this approach and produce an initial report in time for our next conference.’
In his speech Sir Simon said: ‘This is a pivotal moment in the history of central – local relations and the next three years running up to a general election will be critical. We have a new Prime Minister and Cabinet with an agenda for change, much of which will need local government if it is to be delivered. We have opposition parties that proclaim the virtues of localism.And we have our own agenda of reform and renewal for local government.’
He went on: ‘We pledge to the new Prime Minister that we will work co-operatively if his government delivers on its promise to return powers to local people. I see three early opportunities to align our offer with the Prime Minister’s priorities that will unlock real public service gains.
‘First, responding to the housing crisis, second, I look forward to the government entering into a serious debate with us about a fundamental change in health provision. We share a common interest with the government in ensuring high quality health and social care services. There is a lot more that we can contribute. And third, boosting economic growth by devolving economic powers to councils or groups of councils.
He also called for ‘a ruthless focus on our own performance’ adding: ‘ When we call for devolution, nobody should be able to say that councils aren’t up to the job. So, we need to move all councils from competence to excellence because public expectations are rising as quickly as we are able to improve. We also need to show we are more efficient.
Sir Simon went on: ‘Now we cannot ask others to deliver unless we are going to run an efficient and effective association for our own members. So, the principles I have applied to the conduct of local government – performance, innovation and engagement apply equally to the LGA. ‘
‘I want to boost performance by sharpening the organisation’s campaigning abilities. We must be an active organisation that lobbies and argues the case for you.’
