The Local Government Association has had a challenging year. As its members prepare to meet in Harrogate for the annual conference, chief executive John Ransford outlines plans for the future
The past few months have been a huge challenge for the LGA – defending the reputation of councils hit by the aftermath of the Baby P tragedy, criticism of the sector during the days of heavy snowfall last winter, and the Icelandic banks’ collapse.
These issues have required us to step up and act in an increasingly-robust manner for, and on behalf of, local government.
In doing so, the LGA has led efforts to raise the status of the hard-working children’s social workers who protect our young people, and recruit the brightest and best people to do this most vital work.
We helped ensure salt and grit made it to councils to keep roads open during the worst snowfall for almost 20 years, and made sure people knew they were working night and day to keep the country moving.
And we have worked with councils to recover the lion’s share of Icelandic bank deposits for council taxpayers, and fought to tell politicians and the public that they are getting up to 90% of their money back.
We have also won a string of lobbying successes, including funding to recruit social workers, cash to create new jobs, and helping make £1bn of European money available to support councils’ efforts to tackle the recession.
Local authorities are now coping with a £2.5bn drop in income and greater demands for their services than ever before as the recession affects every part of the country.
Already the most efficient part of the public sector, councils are facing the prospect of tough times for their finances, and will have to examine new ways to further reduce costs without impacting on the quality of services which are vital to millions of people.
Working together is the only way for councils to ensure their voice heard, deflect the criticism that comes their way, and make the case for the democratically-accountable local services without which the country would grind to a halt.
That is what the Local Government Association has been doing, and is committed to doing still better in the year to come.
But the challenge for the future is to do all this and more in a climate when we are all facing the challenge of improving the services we provide in tough financial times. The LGA Group has been preparing itself so that it provides better value for money and works harder than ever to help councils in what are very difficult economic times.
We are being more focused in our work, having one set of priorities which guide everything we do, being open, and making sure we add value to all our members
We are making it easier for councils to get help and advice from senior staff at the LGA, and we are looking at ways to work more closely with colleagues in every region of the country.
By using resources wisely to promote and support local government, we are well-placed to continue to add value to local government at a national level.
We want it to be crystal clear that everything the LGA Group is doing is enhancing the work of councils across the country. All our efforts are focused on producing results for councils and our other member organisations, and will be grounded within our overarching priorities of dealing with the recession, offering value for money, and building up the reputation of local government in the national political environment. This has particular importance and resonance, given the extraordinary political mood and position in the nation. There is a real opportunity for the constitution to be rebalanced in a way that gives greater prominence to local democracy and government which is closer to communities and local people.
The LGA has a duty on behalf of councils and their residents throughout the land to seize this moment, innovate, demonstrate leadership and show what can be achieved. That opportunity has to remain firmly in our sights.
John Ransford is chief executive of the Local Government Association
These issues have required us to step up and act in an increasingly-robust manner for, and on behalf of, local government.
In doing so, the LGA has led efforts to raise the status of the hard-working children’s social workers who protect our young people, and recruit the brightest and best people to do this most vital work.
We helped ensure salt and grit made it to councils to keep roads open during the worst snowfall for almost 20 years, and made sure people knew they were working night and day to keep the country moving.
And we have worked with councils to recover the lion’s share of Icelandic bank deposits for council taxpayers, and fought to tell politicians and the public that they are getting up to 90% of their money back.
We have also won a string of lobbying successes, including funding to recruit social workers, cash to create new jobs, and helping make £1bn of European money available to support councils’ efforts to tackle the recession.
Local authorities are now coping with a £2.5bn drop in income and greater demands for their services than ever before as the recession affects every part of the country.
Already the most efficient part of the public sector, councils are facing the prospect of tough times for their finances, and will have to examine new ways to further reduce costs without impacting on the quality of services which are vital to millions of people.
Working together is the only way for councils to ensure their voice heard, deflect the criticism that comes their way, and make the case for the democratically-accountable local services without which the country would grind to a halt.
That is what the Local Government Association has been doing, and is committed to doing still better in the year to come.
But the challenge for the future is to do all this and more in a climate when we are all facing the challenge of improving the services we provide in tough financial times. The LGA Group has been preparing itself so that it provides better value for money and works harder than ever to help councils in what are very difficult economic times.
We are being more focused in our work, having one set of priorities which guide everything we do, being open, and making sure we add value to all our members
We are making it easier for councils to get help and advice from senior staff at the LGA, and we are looking at ways to work more closely with colleagues in every region of the country.
By using resources wisely to promote and support local government, we are well-placed to continue to add value to local government at a national level.
We want it to be crystal clear that everything the LGA Group is doing is enhancing the work of councils across the country. All our efforts are focused on producing results for councils and our other member organisations, and will be grounded within our overarching priorities of dealing with the recession, offering value for money, and building up the reputation of local government in the national political environment. This has particular importance and resonance, given the extraordinary political mood and position in the nation. There is a real opportunity for the constitution to be rebalanced in a way that gives greater prominence to local democracy and government which is closer to communities and local people.
The LGA has a duty on behalf of councils and their residents throughout the land to seize this moment, innovate, demonstrate leadership and show what can be achieved. That opportunity has to remain firmly in our sights.
John Ransford is chief executive of the Local Government Association
