National prosperity, local choice

Topics: partnership, policy, local government

The Lyons inquiry published interim findings today: National prosperity, local choice and civic engagement: a new partnership between central and local government for the 21st century. You can find the full text and executive summary here on the inquiry's own website.

Sir Michael Lyons was originally charged by HM Treasury to look at the way local government is financed, but the his remit has widened - looking at some of the fundamental functions of local government.

I think the interim report is quite positive about the role, importance and future of local government. From the inquiry site:

In his report Sir Michael argues for a system of local government for the 21st century that can manage increasing pressures on public expenditure, increase satisfaction and build more prosperous communities. Greater local choice, not more central control, is needed to achieve this.

But there are, of course, challenges ahead:

In addition he challenges local government to further raise its game, building on recent improvements, to tackle the challenges of promoting effective local choice and energetic 'place-shaping'. This requires stronger leadership, closer engagement with local residents, effective partnership working with other services and the business community, and a consistent commitment to efficiency and cost effectiveness.

He also raises issues about partnership - including (from the executive summary):

Local authorities already have substantial powers to undertake place-shaping, including the power of well-being. However, there are extra powers which could support effective place-shaping and convening:

• local authorities should have greater influence over policies that have an impact on local economic development, including transport and skills;
• local government's ability to influence partners, joining-up and tailoring services to local needs, could be strengthened and local government's lead role in convening partners formally recognised. A statutory duty on other local agencies to cooperate with local authorities should be introduced.
  

Within the IDeA, my policy unit colleague Julia Bennett is leading our work on the Lyons Inquiry - so stay tuned for further Lyons inquiry developments. The thinking here will impact not just councils but partners and the way people interact with local government and other public service providers.

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