LGA Conservative Group - Report & Review 2016/2017 - Local Government ...
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LGA Conservative Group Report & Review 2016 / 2017
Contents:
4. Message from the Chairman of the LGA and the Acting LGA Conservative Group Leader
6. LGA Conservative Group Executive 2016/2017
8. Brexit: what has the LGA been doing?
10. What is the LGA and what has it done for my council?
12. The 2017 Local elections
13. Be a Councillor – Finding the next generation of councillors
15. Who are my Conservative LGA Board representatives – How can I get involved?
16. Children and Young People Board
17. City Regions Board
18. Community Wellbeing Board
19. Culture, Tourism and Sport Board
20. Environment, Economy, Housing and Transport Board
21. Improvement and Innovation Board
22. People and Places Board
23. Resources Board
24. Safer and Stronger Communities Board
25. Fire Services Management Committee and Fire Commission
26. What is sector-led improvement and how can it benefit my council?
29. LGA Conservative Group Best Practice Directory
30. The Conservative Group Office
LGA Conservative Group | Report & Review 2016/2017 3
Message from the Chairman of the LGA
and the Acting LGA Conservative Group Leader
The past twelve months have certainly We have worked successfully with Sajid on David made an enormous contribution to In order to get out of London we have,
been eventful for Conservatives, a range issues but we would particularly like the LGA as both a former Chairman of over the past year, organised a number
both locally and nationally, as we to thank him for his support in relation to the People and Places Board and then as of briefing seminars around the country
have experienced the vote to leave adult social care funding. This culminated group leader and LGA Vice Chairman. in partnership with the Conservative
the European Union and its aftermath, in the announcement by the Chancellor in Councillors’ Association.
the appointment of Theresa May as the Budget of an extra £2 billion in funding Prior to becoming our group leader he was
Prime Minister and, most recently, for social care over the next three years, also a successful Chairman of the County These events cover a variety of policy and
the General Election. including £1 billion in 2017/2018. Councils’ Network. campaigning issues and we are already
planning future seminars, so if you are
The impact of Brexit on local government, Over the past year we also worked closely David’s many years of service to local interested in hosting one please do let
progress towards the localisation of with Gavin Barwell in the lead-up to and the government and charitable services were us know.
business rates by 2020, moves towards aftermath of the publication of the Housing recognised by the awarding of a CBE in
greater devolution around the country White Paper, which contained many the New Year’s Honours list. The LGA tries to be as accessible as possible
(as evidenced by the first Mayoral elections proposals that we were able to welcome to all of our members and as part of this
The purpose of this annual report is to it has opened up its regular Councillors’
which took place in May), and the future (such as greater flexibility in relation to
Lord Porter of Spalding CBE provide you with information on the LGA’s Forum meetings to all members who wish
funding of adult social care, to name just a planning fees).
activity over the past year, both corporately to attend.
few issues, have kept the LGA and the LGA
Whilst of course sorry that Gavin lost his seat and within the Conservative Group.
Conservative Group incredibly busy over
at the General Election, we were delighted The Councillors’ Forum is often attended
the past year. These matters are covered in We hope that you will find it interesting and
that he was almost immediately appointed by Ministerial speakers – we have recently
greater detail throughout the report. we would particularly draw your attention
as the Prime Minister’s new Chief of Staff. welcomed Sajid Javid and David Mowat, the
to the reports of our lead members on the former Social Care Minister, and are looking
To effectively lobby on such issues it has
It is very encouraging that someone with LGA’s various policy Boards. forward to welcoming Greg Clark, Secretary
been essential for us to maintain strong
and close relations with Ministerial teams such a background in local government, of State for Business, Energy and Industrial
These summaries outline how they have
across Whitehall. and with whom we have a strong and Strategy, to our July meeting – whilst the
provided a strong Conservative voice
established relationship, has been appointed Conservative Group meeting beforehand
within the LGA, how they have worked with
Of course, DCLG is the department with to such an important position. We look offers an ideal opportunity for us to discuss
Ministers across a range of Government
whom we have the closest relationship forward to continuing to work with Gavin key issues in a private political setting.
departments and the key lobbying successes
and having established excellent relations in his new role.
that they have achieved on your behalf over If you are interested in attending the
with Sajid Javid following his appointment
Following the reshuffle, we welcome the past year. Councillors’ Forum please contact the
as Secretary of State last year we were
delighted when he was re-appointed in the Alok Sharma as the new Housing Minister, Group Office.
In addition to this annual report the
recent reshuffle. congratulate Marcus Jones and Lord
Conservative Group also sends out a We would like to end by thanking you, our
Bourne on their re-appointment as DCLG Cllr David Simmonds CBE
monthly email bulletin to update you on key fellow Conservative councillors, for all that
In the same way as we did with Eric Pickles Ministers, welcome Jake Berry as the new
policy announcements, lobbying activity, you have done for your communities and
and Greg Clark, when Parliament sits we Parliamentary Under Secretary of State and
consultations and to alert you to upcoming for our Party over the past year.
have held weekly meetings with Sajid and wish Andrew Percy all the best following his
events. We hope that you find these
his Ministerial colleagues over the past year. departure from the Government.
bulletins useful and we would welcome any In both the local elections and the General
These meetings, which have also been We look forward to continuing to work suggestions that you may have as to how Election, Conservative councillors proved
attended by Cllr Paul Carter (the Chairman closely with Sajid and his ministerial team they could be further improved. once again that we are the backbone
of the County Councils’ Network), over the coming year. of our party. As the largest party in local
The LGA Conservative Group is also on government you can rest assured that your
Cllr Neil Clarke (the outgoing Chairman of
We would like to take this opportunity to Twitter so please follow us at @lgacons for voice will continue to be heard loud and
the District Councils’ Network), Cllr Teresa
place on record our thanks to Cllr David all the very latest news and views. clear over the coming year both within the
O’Neill (Leader of the Conservative Group
on London Councils) and Cllr Rory Love Hodge who, following major surgery last LGA and across Whitehall.
(Chairman of the Conservative Councillors’ year, stood down as the Leader of the
Association) have been used by Sajid to Conservative Group in March, for his many
brief and consult on key issues whilst also years of service to Conservative local
allowing us to raise issues on your behalf. government.
4 LGA Conservative Group | Report & Review 2016/2017 LGA Conservative Group | Report & Review 2016/2017 5
LGA Conservative Group Executive
2016/2017
The LGA Conservative Group Executive is elected annually and is the body
which steers and takes decisions on behalf of the LGA Conservative Group.
A new team is elected in June of each year and the elected
members for the past year (2016/2017) were:
LGA Chairman Group Leader Acting Group Leader County Council Executive Member Non-Met District London Borough Council Metropolitan District Council Unitary Council Executive Member
Lord Porter of Spalding CBE (and LGA Vice Chairman) – to March 17 (and LGA Vice Chairman) – from March 17 (and LGA Deputy Chairman since March 2017) Council Executive Member Executive Member Executive Member Cllr Paul Bettison OBE
(originally elected as Deputy Group Leader) (and LGA Deputy Chairman)
South Holland District Council Cllr David Hodge CBE Cllr Colin Noble Cllr Teresa O’Neill OBE Cllr Robert Light Bracknell Forest
Surrey County Council Cllr David Simmonds CBE Suffolk County Council Cllr Peter Fleming OBE London Borough of Bexley Kirklees Metropolitan Borough Council
London Borough of Hillingdon Sevenoaks District Council Borough Council
‘At large’
Executive Members
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Further information
For all the latest news on the LGA Conservative Group
please visit our website:
www.local.gov.uk/lga-conservatives
Cllr Sean Anstee Cllr Philip Atkins OBE Cllr Kevin Bentley Baroness Couttie of Downe
(and LGA Deputy Chairman) Staffordshire County Council Essex County Council (and LGA Deputy Chairman)
Trafford Metropolitan Westminster City Council
Borough Council
6 LGA Conservative Group | Report & Review 2016/2017 LGA Conservative Group | Report & Review 2016/2017 7
Brexit:
what has the LGA been doing?
Reflecting the different views of the
Key achievements (b) D
eveloping a new legal base for We believe that the following should be • F
unding is easier to manage: domestic Potential benefits are, for example, reducing
to date:
councillors and councils who make up our local government the core principles for a new model of redesign should include a simplified and unnecessary and burdensome red tape
membership, the LGA remained neutral regional funding: more proportionate approach to financial (eg, the freedom to move towards a
during the Brexit referendum last year, but The Government’s proposed Great Repeal management, to allow for shorter time simplified procurement process)
To date the LGA has achieved two key wins. Bill means that, post-Brexit, all existing EU • Local determination and delivery:
following the result we have worked hard frames for decision authorisation and
to ensure that local government’s voice is legislation can be scrutinised and decisions domestic redesign should support the payment. As previously noted, we see this as
Firstly, following strong lobbying by us the
heard during the negotiations. taken by Parliament as to which aspects principle of a locally-led, single, place-based an opportunity to further develop the
Chancellor of the Exchequer announced at • Funding of at least equal value:
of those laws are to be retained, amended strategy established around the needs devolution agenda which the Government
last year’s Conservative Party Conference the amount of funding for domestic
or removed from UK legislation. of people. has actively pursued since 2010.
that local areas with existing EU funding replacement should be at least £5.3 billion
arrangements agreed at the point that To facilitate this process, the LGA has • Funding is delivered over a stable period: for England and £1.8 billion for Wales, For example, to improve opportunities for
we leave the EU will receive replacement developed a comprehensive dataset the current EU funding programme is matching current ESIF funding levels for ‘left behind’ communities we are calling
funding following our departure. of those EU decisions, regulations and allocated over a seven-year period. This is 2014-2020. on the Government to reform Whitehall’s
directives that affect local government, regarded as a significant benefit as it allows national approach to commissioning
Secondly, and again following LGA lobbying, for long-term planning beyond normal
with a particular focus on procurement, employment and skills funding (which is
the Government has confirmed that local domestic funding and political cycles. (d) Addressing place-based impacts
regulatory services, the environment, worth £10.5 billion a year).
government will be fully involved in the
waste services and workforce issues. • Maximum integration with other Along with Government departments, the
discussions relating to our departure from It is currently fragmented, costly and fails
the EU. funding streams: domestic redesign LGA is assessing the potential and varied
to address the particular challenges faced
(c) L
ocalising regional funding should encourage integrated financial impact and opportunities of Brexit at the
in local areas. A more integrated approach
support to increase sustainable growth local level, in both urban and rural areas.
Key issues for local Following the Chancellor’s announcement and jobs within local areas. This will avoid
would be based around groups of councils
working with businesses and other partners
government: that areas with existing EU funding the policy silos, duplications, gaps and Potential challenges are, for example,
The Government has possible labour shortages affecting both the to create single, place-based plans tailored
arrangements signed off when we leave inconsistencies which have characterised
public and private sectors (for example, in to local needs.
We have identified the following as being the EU will receive replacement funding earlier schemes.
confirmed that local the key issues for local government, and after our departure, the challenge now is the care sector, seasonal unskilled work, etc)
government will be as such they are currently the focus of
our work in relation to Brexit:
to create a domestic replacement for EU
regional aid funding which is based on
fully involved in the local rather than Whitehall or EU rules.
discussions relating (a) Autonomy of local government Long before the referendum, the LGA had
to our departure
consistently argued for much greater local
Building on the Government’s ambitious
control over the management, design and
from the EU.
devolution agenda, we believe that
delivery of such schemes.
responsibilities repatriated from the EU
cannot simply be kept in Whitehall.
i
As such, a presumption in favour of
subsidiarity must apply to all levels of
government, with powers being devolved
and decisions taken as close to local
people as possible. Your views Further information
In order to support our evidence gathering on the impact For all the latest news on how Brexit is impacting
of Brexit on local areas, the LGA is inviting feedback from on local government, and updates on the LGA’s
councils and councillors. Please email: activity in relation to this, visit our dedicated website:
brexit@local.gov.uk www.local.gov.uk/brexit
8 LGA Conservative Group | Report & Review 2016/2017 LGA Conservative Group | Report & Review 2016/2017 9What is the LGA
and what has it done for my council?
The LGA is a politically-led, • A £50 million annual fund for councils to
Parliamentary lobbying and
cross-party organisation influencing legislation
support school improvement and a £148
million fund to support failing schools.
which: • A decision by the Government, announced The LGA works closely with Parliamentarians
• Lobbies on the key financial and policy by Sajid Javid at the LGA Councillors’ to ensure the concerns of our members
decisions which affect your council. Forum meeting earlier this year, to drop are represented in national policy debates.
proposals to transfer responsibility for In 2016 we were quoted 953 times in
• Presses for greater powers to be devolved Attendance Allowance to councils as Parliamentary debates, Select Committees
from Whitehall to local government. part of the further localisation of business and questions. We sought to influence
• Speaks with one voice through local, rates. £5.5 billion is currently spent on 10 pieces of legislation, including the
regional and national media to promote Attendance Allowance. Homelessness Reduction Bill, the Local
the good things that councils are doing Government Finance Bill, the Children and
• Provision in the Local Government Finance
and defend local government’s reputation. Social Work Bill and the Neighbourhood
Bill for the Government to pay local
Planning Bill. Our Parliamentary ‘wins’ for
• Supports councils to drive innovation and authorities for the cost of business rates
local government over the past year have
improvement and shares best practice appeals. Currently, local authorities are
included the following successes:
in order to help councils become more forced to hold back around £2.5 billion to
i
efficient and effective. manage the risk of successful appeals. As a result of our work on the Homelessness
Conference and events Practical support
• An announcement from Government Reduction Bill major changes were made,
• Negotiates fair pay and pensions
with proposed duties on councils to secure
for councils
settlements and provides advice on that it would no longer legislate to force
all schools to become academies. accommodation for those at risk being
workforce matters to councils. Councillors and officers from our member
amended to be more flexible. We also For more information on this support
We estimated that forced academisation councils have access to more than 120 free
secured a commitment from the Government There is a wide range of support available please contact the Conservative
Over the past five years we have reduced of all schools would have cost all councils or discounted events, from small seminars
to fully fund the new duties and this led to to your council. A regionally-based Principal Group Office.
our total subscription income by 30 per cent up to £380 million by 2020. to large residential conferences. Over 60
the announcement of £61 million to fund Adviser acts as your first non-political point
and this year we have, again, frozen our per cent of our events over the past year lgaconservatives@local.gov.uk
• Significant wins secured in the Housing the cost burdens. of call with the LGA, advising on the support
subscription levels. were free to attend and half were held
White Paper, including a minimum 20 per and services available and regularly visiting
cent increase in funding for local planning The Children and Social Work Bill had outside London. your authority. In addition you can access:
As a result of our lobbying over the past year
the LGA has secured a number of ‘wins’ and teams, a new £45 million Land Release provisions allowing the Secretary of State to
• Support from specialist advisers across
additional funding for our member councils, Fund for councils and flexibilities to amend children’s social care legislation in a
council area in intervention without proper
Promoting local a range of policy areas from housing to
government in the media
including the following: establish local development corporations.
consultation or consent. We worked with health and social care, children’s services
• £700 million for councils by 2020/2021 to to communications.
• £2 billion of new money over the next Parliamentarians and the Government to
help local areas recover from the damage As the national voice of local government,
three years to protect social care services remove this. • On-the-day briefings covering all major
caused by last winter’s flooding. the LGA is uniquely placed to provide a
for older and disabled people, with £1 government announcements, including
Working with the Government and strong voice for councils as the national
billion of this allocated in 2017/2018. • A £250 million pothole fund, announced the Budget, Queen’s Speech and
Parliamentarians, we helped shape the press office for local government – a 24/7,
This is a direct result of us leading, with by the Government following our legislation affecting local government.
Policing and Crime Bill to ensure that 365 days a year service committed to
others, a sustained campaign. sustained campaign.
licensing authorities can take into account protecting and promoting the interests • Free legal advice and opinions.
• £690 million for new local transport • Support to deliver ‘Ambition for Libraries,’ the potentially negative impact of having of councils.
projects to improve congestion on roads including £4 million for councils. • Free access to advice on pay, pensions
gambling premises clustered in an area when
and public transport. In 2016, the LGA achieved 2,170 separate and employment.
making licensing decisions.
The LGA Conservative Group can provide, pieces of national coverage, together with a
• Discounts on Microsoft and Adobe
upon request, a briefing of how LGA activity further 35,563 articles published in regional,
software licences through participating
has specifically benefited your council over local and trade media. Our spokesmen,
resellers.
the past year. from councils up and down the country,
were interviewed 217 times by national
broadcast media.
10 LGA Conservative Group | Report & Review 2016/2017 LGA Conservative Group | Report & Review 2016/2017 11The 2017 Be a Councillor
Local elections Finding the next generation of councillors
The local elections consolidated our There were also contests for elected mayors The results in the Tees Valley and West
position as both the largest party in local in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Greater Midlands are particularly encouraging as
government and the largest political Manchester, Liverpool City, Tees Valley, the they show that Conservatives can win
Cllr Jo Beavis, recently elected to Essex County Council,
group at the LGA as we gained just under West of England and the West Midlands. in urban areas traditionally been seen as has been closely involved with the programme:
400 seats in England and Wales and made Labour’s heartlands.
substantial progress in Scotland. Congratulations are due to Andy Street for How do we convey the enthusiasm of
“Never has there been a more interesting time to ‘Be a Councillor.’
winning in the West Midlands, to Cllr James The changes in the number of councillors existing councillors to a new generation Housing, health, social care, community wellbeing and devolution
Particular congratulations are due to our Palmer for winning in Cambridgeshire and councils controlled for each party by persuading people who are capable, dominate the headlines as we, as councillors, shape the agenda within
groups in Cambridgeshire, Derbyshire, and Peterborough, to Cllr Ben Houchen following this year’s local elections are vibrant and energetic that becoming our communities.
East Sussex, Gloucestershire, Lancashire, for winning in Tees Valley and to Cllr Tim summarised below: a councillor is a worthwhile and
the Isle of Wight, Norfolk, Lincolnshire, Bowles for winning in the West of England. rewarding experience?
Monmouthshire, Suffolk and Warwickshire, Councillors have the democratic mandate to be local leaders of place.
where we gained overall control of Cllr Sean Anstee, our LGA Deputy Chairman, The LGA Conservative Group seeks to ‘Be a Councillor’ is helping to drive that vision for the future in searching
the council. fought a strong battle against Andy Burnham answer this question through its participation for new talent and encouraging more people to be councillors. Please help
in Greater Manchester, as did Tony Caldeira
UKIP lost every single seat that they were in the Liverpool City Region.
in the LGA’s corporate Be a Councillor the LGA to help you and your community by encouraging more people to
campaign which publicises the role of the
defending, Labour suffered net losses for come forward to represent their communities as councillors.”
councillor and encourages people who are
a third year in a row, whilst the Liberal engaged in their communities to consider
Democrats also had a net loss of seats. standing for election.
Of course it is the electorate who ultimately
decides who is elected but this campaign
highlights how skills gained through
experiences as diverse as raising a family,
caring for a disabled relative, volunteering, It is never too early to plan for the next set of local elections,
so please do visit the website to see how we can help you recruit your
running a business, or being active in a next generation of candidates and councillors.
Councils community or voluntary group could help
make you a successful councillor.
If you would like further information about the campaign and how you can help
in your local area, or if you have good practice that you would like to share from
Conservatives Labour Lib Dems UKIP Others NOC Total your local association or group, please do email us at:
In recent years we have worked with the
Before 189 108 7 0 4 65 373 Conservative Party to reach out to new lgaconservatives@local.gov.uk
people in a number of ways, ranging from
After 200 104 7 0 4 58 373 funding mailshots to attract new candidates
to holding events where they can speak to
Change +11 -4 - - - -7 0
i
experienced councillors about the role.
Constituency associations and council
groups can also make use of The X Factor:
Seats A talent spotter’s guide for local elections
and the Be a Councillor brochure for
The Be a Conservative Councillor guide can be downloaded from the
LGA Conservative Group website, with hard copies also available on request.
Conservatives Labour Lib Dems UKIP Others Total prospective candidates which includes
The Be a Councillor page on the LGA website provides further detailed information
case studies, information on the role of the and resources, including the Be a Councillor toolkit for councils and e-learning:
Before 8526 6369 1761 431 1905 18992 councillor, legal requirements for standing
and other useful information. www.beacouncillor.co.uk
After 8920 6164 1734 316 1835 18969
Change +394 -205 -27 -115 -70 -23
You can also follow the Be a Councillor campaign at www.twitter.com/beacouncillor
12 LGA Conservative Group | Report & Review 2016/2017 LGA Conservative Group | Report & Review 2016/2017 13Who are my Conservative LGA
Board representatives
How can I get involved?
The LGA is a politically-led organisation Nominations forms are sent to each
and the members who serve on its policy Conservative council group leader and
Boards are responsible for developing
and overseeing its lobbying and policy
they are invited to nominate up to three
councillors from their group.
How to submit an
formulation across all the key policy areas application:
that local government is responsible for. Each year we are heavily oversubscribed and
so unfortunately we cannot offer a place 1. Download the nomination
The LGA’s political groups make annual to everyone who is nominated. However, form from: www.local.gov.uk/
appointments to the Boards with the overall vacancies do occur throughout the year and lga-conservatives or ask your
proportionality figures determining how we keep every application form on file for group leader for a form or request
many lead positions and places they are consideration as and when these occur. one from the LGA Conservative
entitled to. Group Office.
In making the appointments the LGA
The following pages include summaries Conservative Group Leader considers a 2. Fill in your contact details,
from our Conservative lead members number of factors. The areas of expertise your areas of interest and
outlining the work that they and their and supporting statement are obviously expertise and write a short
colleagues have undertaken on your important and we are very careful to supporting statement.
behalf over the past year. ensure that our appointments reflect our
3. Give the completed form to your
geographical strengths across the various
For more detailed information on each group leader to countersign.
tiers of local government.
Board please visit the webpage link that
4. Ensure that the form is returned to
is provided at the bottom of each of Whilst there has been a perception amongst
the Conservative Group Office no
these sections. some councillors that the appointments
later than Monday 10th July 2017.
are biased towards the South of England,
Conservative councillors are appointed to detailed analysis each year shows that Once the appointments have been
serve on these Boards annually. Nomination overall they reflect the representation of finalised we will write to everyone
forms are sent to group leaders in June, the Conservative councillors geographically. who has applied to let them know
appointments are made in July and take Ultimately we want a strong and varied whether or not they have been
effect at the start of the new LGA year on team which is reflective of Conservative successful.
1st September. councillors across the country.
LGA Conservative Group | Report & Review 2016/2017 15Children and Young People Board City Regions Board
Cllr Roy Perry Cllr Robert Light
The Children and Young People Board is We were therefore delighted that the The City Regions Board has responsibility Continuing the devolution theme, the Board
concerned with the wellbeing of children Government removed provisions which for LGA activity in relation to growth, is working closely with the Department for
and young people, including education, would have allowed the Secretary of State to transport, infrastructure, skills and wider Work and Pensions on the new Work and
social care and careers. make these decisions on behalf of councils public service reform. Its membership Health Programme (WHP). This programme
in intervention. is drawn from the Core and Key Cities, is designed to assist the long-term
The proposed new national formula for SIGOMA and the London Boroughs. unemployed into work with as much local
schools funding was a key issue for the More than 750 children have come to the government involvement as possible.
Board over the past year but also a difficult UK from the Calais refugee camp since The City Regions Board was created in
one due to the fact that some member October 2016. While the majority of these 2014 following changes to the LGA’s Ten devolution deal areas are currently
authorities were due to be net winners children were reunited with family under the governance structures. Its objective is to working bilaterally with DWP on the design
whilst others were net losers. Dublin Treaty, approximately 200 children support councils in urban and metropolitan of the programme in their localities.
were placed in local authority care under areas by ensuring that they have the legal
Moreover, even those who gained overall the ‘Dubs Amendment.’ and financial autonomy to drive growth and Take up of the LGA’s devolution offer, drawn
faced specific issues since small and rural support their residents. up in partnership with our colleagues on
primary schools with less than 200 pupils Councils continue to demonstrate the People and Places Board, remains
often lost out from the application of a rigid tremendous leadership in resettling Cllr Roy Perry Our work programme over the past year excellent. Working closely with the LGA Cllr Robert Light
national formula. these children, with the number of has focused particularly on devolution, skills Conservative Group Office, we provided
unaccompanied asylum seeking children and employment and infrastructure. As part support, guidance and training to a number
In particular, we raised concerns about living in England increasing by more than of this we have been particularly keen to of the Conservative candidates who stood in
the proposed timeline for its introduction, 50 per cent in the last year. ensure that we have a robust evidence base the Combined Authority Mayoral elections
specifically around the transitional or to promote the benefits of devolution. in May.
‘soft’ formula in 2018-2019 before the The Board led various successful sessions
introduction a ‘hard’ formula’ in 2019-2020 at the annual National Children and To facilitate this we were co-funders of the My colleague on the Board, Cllr Sean
as this would have been challenging for all Adult Services Conference in November. RSA’s Inclusive Growth Commission, whose Anstee, the Leader of Trafford Council,
schools, but particularly those that were Topics covered included emerging research final report was published in March and is stood in the Greater Manchester contest
facing a reduction in funding. on the effectiveness of different models in available on their website. and finished a credible second to Andy
driving children’s services improvement, Burnham after running a strong campaign
We were therefore pleased that the life chances and family stability, what works The Commission recommends that based on his record as a local leader.
Conservative Party’s General Election in preventing child abuse and neglect and combined authorities be given much
manifesto stated that there would be tackling radicalisation in schools. greater control over – and responsibility As areas move towards the implementation
changes to the national funding formula for – public expenditure in their areas as part phase of devolution, we are increasingly
to ensure that no school loses out whilst We also held a lively Education Question of a programme of new social contracts focused on developing and sharing
also pledging to increase the overall schools Time debate, met with the then Children’s with central government to pursue growth. best practice.
budget by £4 billion by 2022. Minister, Edward Timpson, and the National
Schools Commissioner, Sir David Carter. It also recommends that post-Brexit As part of this process we have worked with
The major piece of legislation that we repatriated European Structural and the Centre for Public Scrutiny to produce
have focused on over the past year is the Investment Funds should be used as the Overview and Scrutiny in combined
Children and Social Work Bill. basis of a new growth fund with £76 billion authorities – a plain English guide to help
of funding to pump-prime growth-related members to play an active and informed
The LGA briefed actively throughout its interventions over the next 20 years. role in both scrutinising and contributing to
Parliamentary process and we achieved new governance arrangements. The guide
a number of important concessions.
i i
is available on the Centre for Public
Scrutiny’s website.
In particular, we argued that applications
for powers to test new ways of working
should always be council-led, allowing local
www.local.gov.uk/topics/ www.local.gov.uk/
authorities to make decisions based on the
children-and-young-people city-regions-board
needs of local children and young people
that they know best.
16 LGA Conservative Group | Report & Review 2016/2017 LGA Conservative Group | Report & Review 2016/2017 17Community Wellbeing Board Culture, Tourism and Sport Board
Cllr Izzi Seccombe OBE Cllr Paul Bettison OBE
The Community Wellbeing Board is Board members once again played an active The Culture, Tourism and Sport Board has Meanwhile, my Conservative colleague on
responsible for LGA activity in relation role at the National Children and Adult responsibility for LGA activity in the areas the Board, Cllr Colin Organ, has worked
to the wellbeing of adults, public health, Services Conference in Manchester through of culture, tourism and sport, including closely with the Tourism Alliance Board to
mental health, lifelong learning, media work, chairing sessions and speaking the legacy of the 2012 Olympic Games. discuss a number of key issues currently
training, health and social care. at high profile sub-plenaries. As well as the impacting on the tourism industry, including
key issue of securing adequate funding for I am delighted that the LGA and Arts Council the likely implications of our exit from the
The LGA has led efforts in recent years to adult social care, we focused on a wide England have recently updated their European Union.
highlight the significant pressures facing variety of subjects ranging from workforce shared statement of purpose agreement.
adult social care and the need for central development issues to Sustainability and The agreement outlines how each In February, we held another successful
government to adequately fund the system. Transformation Plans. organisation will work with each other Culture, Tourism and Sport annual
nationally to support a place based conference in Bristol.
The announcement in the Budget of £2 The first national Come Back to Social approach to local cultural offers.
billion in funding for adult social care Work programme – led by the LGA, the Keynote speakers included Dame Kelly
therefore marks a significant step towards Department of Health and the Department Our excellent working relationship with Holmes, Tracey Crouch MP, the Under
protecting services for the most vulnerable for Education – has been successful in Arts Council England was reflected in Secretary of State for Sport, Tourism and
in our communities over the next few years. attracting talented and qualified social Cllr Izzi Seccombe OBE the comments made by Paul Bristow, Heritage, Viscountess Penelope Cobham Cllr Paul Bettison OBE
workers back into local government and their Director of Strategic Partnerships, CBE from Visit England, Shelia Healey from
Whilst strongly welcoming this at a recent Board meeting when he stated Arts Council England and Duncan Wilson,
both departments are keen to run further
announcement, we are have been clear that local government remains a key the Chief Executive of Historic England.
programmes.
that councils must have full flexibility over delivery partner for the organisation.
how they use the funding to ensure that it Finally, a key success on behalf of member The conference, which has received
genuinely helps people live independently councils came when we successfully Over the past year we have also worked excellent feedback from delegates, provided
in their communities whilst also providing supported the National Aids Trust in their closely with Sport England on the delivery an ideal opportunity for members and
support to older people and those with legal challenge against NHS England’s of their strategy Towards an Active Nation officers to discuss key issues, network
mental health conditions and learning and decision that it did not have the power 2016-2021, helping to ensure that councils and share best practice.
physical difficulties. to commission the drug PrEP for those and local partners are central to their plans
to promote exercise and activity and to We continue to work with Sports England
with HIV.
Adult social care is vital in its own right, re-balance funding away from national and Arts Council England to deliver the
as well as easing pressure on the NHS. Their argument was that councils were organisations and towards local bodies. Leadership Essentials Sports programme
Councils want to give people the best responsible for preventative medicine. and the Leadership Essentials Culture
possible chance of staying out of hospital The costs alone of commissioning would As Deputy Chairman of the Board, I Programme.
and to get them home quickly if a hospital have been £20 million. The Court of Appeal was pleased to have the opportunity to
stay is necessary. give evidence on behalf of the LGA to These events, organised in partnership
upheld the High Court’s decision that NHS
the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs with our partners, aim to support portfolio
England did, in law, have the power to
As helpful as this immediate injection of Committee, with a particular focus on holders and to help councils meet the
commission PrEP.
funding is, short-term pressures remain and councils and Local Economic Partnerships challenges facing sport and cultural services.
the challenge of finding a long-term solution support for and promotion of tourism as a
to the social care crisis is far from over. key sector for rural economic growth.
The Government’s commitment to I took this opportunity to highlight the
publishing a Green Paper to explore options
i i
need for councils to have access to the
for a long-term solution is a welcome necessary powers to allow them to create
recognition of this, The Board is clear that the conditions for the growth of the visitor
we in local government need to play a economy – one of the country’s fastest
fundamental part in the discussions and www.local.gov.uk/ growing sectors. www.local.gov.uk/
that all options need to be on the table. community-wellbeing-board- topics/culture-tourism-
Influencing this will be a key priority for local-government-association leisure-and-sport
the Board over the coming year.
18 LGA Conservative Group | Report & Review 2016/2017 LGA Conservative Group | Report & Review 2016/2017 19Environment, Economy, Improvement and Innovation Board
Housing and Transport Board Cllr William Nunn
Cllr Martin Tett
The Environment, Economy, Housing As part of this process we responded The Improvement and Innovation Similarly, shared services have developed
and Transport Board provides strategic to a call for evidence by providing local Board has responsibility for LGA activity significantly in recent years, allowing
oversight of the LGA’s policy, regulatory government’s perspective on a variety of in relation to improving councils’ councils to pool resources and expertise
and improvement activity in relation to infrastructure issues. In particular, we urged performance, including peer support and to develop a huge range of high quality,
the economy, skills and employment, the Commission to consider how greater mentoring, and also relations with the efficient services.
the environment, transport, housing and devolution of funding could ensure that the various central bodies who contribute
planning, waste and climate change. country’s infrastructure is as well maintained to that process. The LGA maintains a shared services map
and efficient as possible. which provides detailed information on
The Housing White Paper, Fixing our broken Peer challenge is a key part of the LGA’s innovation and new ways of working from
housing market, was launched this year and The Board submitted evidence to the offer to councils and its success as a tool across the country. As more devolution
includes plans to boost housing supply and Transport Select Committee’s inquiry into for improvement within local government deals are agreed it is essential that councils
increase affordability across the country. urban congestion, as part of which we is well established. work even more closely together to deliver
reiterated the LGA’s longstanding case for the next generation of public services.
We were pleased to see that a number of councils to have the power to manage In September 2016 we hosted a Member You can view the map on the LGA website
recommendations made in the LGA’s recent street works. Peer Conference in Birmingham attended by entering ‘shared services’ in the
Housing Commission report were taken on Cllr Martin Tett by those councillors who contribute their Cllr William Nunn
A notable achievement on behalf of search engine.
board, such as removing the starter homes time, experience and expertise to sector-led
requirement and increased flexibility in councils came In September 2016 when the
improvement. In the New Year we had the welcome
relation to planning fees. Board, in conjunction with the LGA’s legal
announcement of an expansion to the
team, supported the Treasury in successfully Over 100 peers attended from all regions
However, we will continue to push for the One Public Estate Programme (OPE) with
defending a judicial review of the VAT and it was an opportunity to network,
housing borrowing cap to be lifted and for a further 79 councils in 17 partnerships
exemption for council commercial discuss issues both within political groups
councils to be able to keep 100 per cent joining OPE.
waste services. and cross-party, receive updates on the
of the receipts from Right to Buy sales so
I am grateful for the engagement shown LGA’s own improvement plans and attend These partnerships have been allocated
that councils can reinvest in building the
by Government Ministers in relation to the briefing sessions on work areas supported over £2 million in funding in 2016/2017 to
affordable homes that our communities need.
many policy areas covered by the Board. by peers. work collaboratively on land and property
Also on housing, during the progress of initiatives, generating new jobs and homes,
the Homelessness Reduction Bill through Over the course of the year I have had The success of the peer system relies creating more joined up services for local
Parliament our lobbying helped to secure particularly useful meetings with Gavin on experienced councillors putting their communities and delivering savings for
over £60 million in funding to meet Barwell, the then Housing Minister and names forward. If you feel that you have the taxpayer.
new duties. both Therese Coffey and Lord Gardiner, the necessary experience and skills for the
Parliamentary Under Secretary of States at role please contact the LGA Conservative At the same time, the existing 43 OPE
The Government also listened to our calls the Department for Environment, Food and Group Office to obtain further information partnerships also had the opportunity to
by committing to review its implementation Rural Affairs, in relation to flooding, rural about the process for becoming an apply for additional funding to expand their
no later than two years after the issues, air quality and waste management. accredited peer. current programmes. As a result of this a
commencement of the Bill’s substantive further £1.8 million has been allocated to
clauses. In recognition of the pressures on council councils across 21 existing partnerships in
budgets, the LGA is always keen to show 2017/2018.
Over the past year the Board has engaged
how innovative and collaborative working
with the National Infrastructure Commission
can save money and often improve
and their work on producing the National
i
outcomes.
Infrastructure Assessment, which will outline
i
the long-term infrastructure needs of An example of this is the report on shared
the country. management that we produced last year
www.local.gov.uk/ which showed how 45 councils in 20
environment-economy- partnerships have already delivered savings www.local.gov.uk/
housing-and-transport-board of over £60 million through shared chief improvement-board
executives and shared management teams.
20 LGA Conservative Group | Report & Review 2016/2017 LGA Conservative Group | Report & Review 2016/2017 21People and Places Board Resources Board
Cllr Mark Hawthorne MBE Cllr John Fuller
The People and Places Board is I would encourage colleagues to check it The Resources Board is responsible for Our lobbying has involved a series of
responsible for LGA activity on growth, out at: www.local.gov.uk/devolution shaping and developing the LGA’s policies media appearances, including on Radio 4’s
transport, infrastructure, skills and wider and programmes in relation to local Money Box, highlighting councils’ key role
Meanwhile, as part of the LGA’s ‘Up to
public service reform. Its membership is government finance; welfare reform; in mitigating transition effects for the most
Speed’ campaign, which aims to ensure
drawn from the CCN, the DCN and non- European structural investment funding affected businesses in each locality, which
that every resident and business has access
county unitary councils who are outside and workforce issues. were subsequently provided for in the
to faster broadband, I was delighted to
those bodies. March budget.
welcome Sharon White, the Chief Executive This past year has seen us focus on some of
Over the past year, the LGA has carried out of Ofcom, to speak at our January Board the key issues facing the sector, including: We responded to the consultation on the
a wide-ranging array of work in relation to meeting. provisional 2017/2018 local government
devolution and has continued to develop • The continuing funding pressures affecting finance settlement. We highlighted the
We discussed, amongst other things, the
and deliver bespoke offers of support for adult social care. big pressures facing adult social care and
need to achieve equality of access to
areas that are developing devolution called for funding to address this. We were
broadband and in particular the need to • The design of the 100% retention of
proposals and implementing devolution deals. pleased that the Budget included provision
secure adequate mobile coverage in business rates by 2019.
Areas in which we have actively supported rural areas. for £2 billion of extra funding over the next
Cllr Mark Hawthorne MBE • Initial work on the related design and three years for adult social care, including Cllr John Fuller
councils include leadership development in
In March there was good news for the review of the fair funding formula. £1 billion in 2017/2018.
relation to new governance arrangements,
campaign when the Chancellor used the
issues relating to constitutions, • Preparing for the integration of the national
Budget to announce £200 million for local However, we expressed disappointment
completion of assurance frameworks, minimum wage into a revised pay spine.
broadband projects as well as £16 million at the compensatory reductions in New
civic and democratic engagement and
to trial new 5G technology. I particularly Working with Parliamentarians we have Homes Bonus and the higher than
communications.
welcomed the fact that the trials will take contributed to select committees on welfare anticipated hurdle-rate. We will continue
With our colleagues on the City Regions place in non-metropolitan areas as well as reform, business rates retention and to the to strongly lobby on this, recognising that
Board we have continued to make the urban settings. House of Lords Committee on Financial district councils have been among the
case for current employment and skills Exclusion. most adversely affected.
In recognition of the fact that rural issues
services to be better integrated and more
are a key part of the Board’s remit I was Cllr Roger Phillips, Chairman of the
localised, and for the sector to benefit from The Local Government Finance Bill
pleased to speak at the annual Rural Local Government Pension Scheme
a devolution process which offers more provides for the retention of all business
Conference in Cheltenham last September. (LGPS) Advisory Board, has met with
freedoms and flexibilities. rates by 2019/2020 within a framework
I took the opportunity to outline the Board’s Richard Harrington MP, the then Pensions
of stronger long-term fiscal incentives for
It is the view of both Boards that national work in relation to key issues such as Minister, and Marcus Jones MP, the Local
councils to grow their local economies –
agencies like Jobcentre Plus (JCP) seldom rural broadband. Government Minister about reform of asset
both longstanding asks of the LGA which
coordinate effectively and thus fail to align management pools within the LGPS.
are being delivered by a Conservative
with local services. We therefore strongly
government. We welcomed powers in the
believe that the expiry of JCP estate Board members play a leading role
Bill allowing for central funding of appeals
contracts in 2018 presents an opportunity managing the cost pressures from the
whilst emphasising the importance of wider
for reform, collaboration and integration to new pay spine that will take into account
reforms to reduce speculative appeals.
develop a locally relevant employment and rises of the national minimum wage and
skills system. The LGA’s overarching approach to business the importance of addressing differentials
rates retention is led by its specific Task without triggering the complicated and
More generally, our Devo Hub website is a
and Finish Group, on which I sit, supported tricky issue of re-grading.
useful resource for all councillors who are
i i
interested in learning more about devolution by other technical officer groups with
as it includes updates on activity at both the direct access to DCLG officials. We have
local and national level, links to research and formulated detailed LGA responses to a
analysis that can bolster the evidence base number of technical issues, needs indicators
www.local.gov.uk/ www.local.gov.uk/
for devolution bids and infographics that and the progress of the Fair Funding
people-and-places-board resources-board
illustrate the benefits of devolution Review including additional consultations
for businesses. on transitional arrangements for the 2017
business rates revaluation.
22 LGA Conservative Group | Report & Review 2016/2017 LGA Conservative Group | Report & Review 2016/2017 23Safer and Stronger Communities Board Fire Services Management
Cllr Morris Bright Committee and Fire Commission
Cllr Rebecca Knox
The Safer and Stronger Communities The network will work with the Home Office The Fire Commission and the Fire Services Indicative of our close engagement with
Board is responsible for all LGA activity in to support local leadership of Prevent, Management Committee represent the Ministers is the fact that I attend the newly-
relation to the safety of local communities. including advising other elected members views of fire authorities in relation to fire created Fire Reform Board, the first meeting
This includes crime and anti-social on the programme, championing Prevent service modernisation and all other fire of which took place in January. The Board
behaviour, police liaison, Police and in communities and leading sessions in a related issues. has been established jointly with the Home
Crime Commissioners and Police and series of forthcoming regional meetings for Office and the National Fire Chiefs Council
Crime Panels, community safety, public elected members. I am writing this days after the tragic fire to oversee the fire reform programme
protection, the fire service, emergency in Kensington. Whilst we must wait for in England.
I am particularly grateful to my Conservative the official report into the incident to
planning, and licensing and other
colleague on the Board, Cllr Joanne Beavis, understand what exactly happened, In March we held another successful Fire
regulatory activities.
who is herself a Prevent Champion, for her the issue of sprinklers in multi-occupancy Conference. In addition to a speech from
The main piece of legislation that we have work in relation to this. buildings has already been raised. Brandon Lewis, the then Fire Minister, there
scrutinised this year was the Policing and were sessions and workshops on a variety
Over the past year we have sought to raise
Crime Bill, and during its Parliamentary The Fire Services Management Committee of topics, including NJC reform, inspection,
awareness of a loophole in the law which
progress a number of changes were made and the Fire Commission have consistently procurement, devolution and governance,
means that people licensed to drive public
to the legislation in line with the LGA’s Cllr Morris Bright highlighted the importance of sprinklers in working with health partners, emergency Cllr Rebecca Knox
carriage vehicles – those seating between
lobbying. preventing fires from spreading and this is service collaboration and the review of peer
nine and sixteen passengers – by the DVLA
something that we will no doubt wish to challenge.
These included the Government introducing are not subject to criminal record checks.
consider as part of our own discussions on
amendments to the 2003 Licensing
Drivers who have had their licence removed, the tragedy. In the post-election reshuffle, Nick Hurd was
Act which will allow councils to publish
or their application refused, can maintain appointed as the new Fire Minister. I look
cumulative impact assessments and have The Kensington disaster brought home the
a public carriage licence and continue to forward to working with Nick over
regard to them when setting their licensing sacrifices that firefighters make to keep us
operate in the same area. Following our the coming year.
priorities. It has also introduced greater safe and it was for that reason that I was
lobbying, the Department for Transport
flexibility in the use of the late night levy so privileged to represent the LGA at the annual Finally, since this has been my first year
has committed to reviewing the law.
that it can be used in part of a council area Firefighters Memorial Service and wreath as the lead member I would like to place
rather across the whole of it. Meanwhile, the LGA has held a number laying ceremony last September. on record my thanks to Conservative
of taxi licensing workshops across the colleagues on the Fire Services Management
Meanwhile, the Investigatory Powers Act
country over the past year. These events Following significant changes at the Committee and the Fire Commission for
received Royal Assent at the end of last
promote best practice and have included Home Office after the EU referendum, their support and enthusiastic participation
year. Following lobbying by the LGA, the
presentations on the strategic role of my colleagues and I have worked to in our work.
Act maintains councils’ right to access
licensing as well as training sessions on a establish good relationships with our new
communications data and will enable
range of issues from the role of members Ministerial team.
them to access a slightly expanded set of
to determining the ‘fitness’ of applicants.
communications data which is likely to assist In January I met the Home Secretary,
in some trading standards investigations. Finally, as Vice Chairman of the Board I was Amber Rudd, to discuss the Government’s
pleased to chair the LGA’s Deaths, Funerals fire reform agenda. This was a useful
I believe that local government has a key
and Coroners conference late last year. meeting that covered a range of topics,
role to play in tackling radicalisation and
The programme covered a wide range including the Thomas Review and workforce
extremism, and in recognition of this the
of issues including funeral poverty, reform, the future of the National Joint
Prevent Champions Network of elected
the implementation of the medical
i
members was established by the Home Council, collaboration with the emergency
examiners service, and the future of the
i
Office, in consultation with the LGA, services and other key partners (such as
services, pathology and commercialisation. health), the resilience of the services and the
in January.
creation of a new inspection regime.
www.local.gov.uk/
safer-and-stronger- www.local.gov.uk/
communities-board fire-commission
24 LGA Conservative Group | Report & Review 2016/2017 LGA Conservative Group | Report & Review 2016/2017 25You can also read
