The local government system in the South East of England is on ‘the brink of looming crisis’, according to a think-tank.
Localis has urged the Government to use the Comprehensive Spending Review to ‘restore the strength’ of councils in the region to help deliver on national missions.
A new report by the think-tank says despite the South East’s reputation for prosperity, councils are experiencing significant financial strain, which is impacting their capacity to deliver local services.
The study calls for the councils to get new powers over recruitment policies, including the ability to set more competitive pay scales to attract and retain talent.
It argues that authorities in the region would also benefit from devolved control of immigration policy for key roles like care workers and in green skills to address acute workforce shortages.
The director of South East Councils, Sean McKee, said: ‘As ministers ponder structural matters for the South East like devolving powers and council sizes, an additional, crucial issue requiring dedicated focus is the local government workforce.
‘Government is eager to pursue national missions to foster economic growth and bring social benefit.
‘However, delivering those missions at the local level will require an adequate, skilled cohort of council staff on a range of services.
‘The current delivery framework has limits and gaps in several service areas. These need to be addressed before any new responsibilities are bestowed.’
