The LGA continues to develop its Local Government White Paper that will present a clear vision for the future of local government. The LGA are asking councils to submit their strongest pieces of existing evidence that will help to demonstrate to a new or returning Government that a more empowered local government could deliver the public’s priorities more effectively. The LGA is also asking local councils to complete a short survey to share what support could help your local authority in 2024/25. 

The Tees Valley Combined Authority is seeking views on its ambitious vision to connect the region’s transport network with active travel. The planned East Midland Combined County Authority gave stakeholders the opportunity to question local leaders about the developing deal, while the proposed York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority has appointed James Farrar as its Interim Director of Transition. The Government has announced that Greater Essex, comprising Essex County Council, Southend-on-Sea City Council and Thurrock Council, will work towards a Level 2 devolution deal.  

Applications are now open for the Innovation Fellowships Scheme designed to enable researchers in the humanities and social sciences to partner with organisations and business in the creative and cultural, public, private and policy sectors. Culture Commons are convening the creative and cultural sector, local government and researchers to explore the future of increased local decision-making across the UK. The Levelling Up Places Service team will collaborate with councils and other stakeholders to deliver projects funded by the Levelling Up fund by signposting existing guidance, developing packages of practical support, and facilitating knowledge-sharing among project owners and stakeholders.  

Underpinned by our Make It Local campaign, the LGA are beginning the work on a Local Government White Paper to be published before the next election. The LGA has the ambition to develop a plan for the first King’s Speech after the general election to secure a national-local partnership: a new local deal, in which local government can work to its full potential for our people, our places and our planet.

The LGA will present a clear vision for the future of local government, based on priorities from the public, councils, and local communities. To set out a strong case, the LGA are asking councils to submit their strongest pieces of existing evidence, which will help to demonstrate to a new or returning Government that a more empowered local government could deliver the public’s priorities more effectively. 

If your council would like to submit examples or proposals for local public service reform, please email them to LGWP@local.gov.uk.

The LGA’s sector support offer is shaped through direct engagement with the sector to ensure that local authorities have the support they most need to improve and respond to a wide range of challenges and opportunities. Councils are being asked to complete a short survey to share what support could help your local authority in 2024/25. The deadline for responses is 11.59pm on Monday 16 October. 

The LGA tailors its support to what local authorities tell us they need, guided by our sector-led improvement approach. Find out more about the LGA's sector support offer for local authorities 2023/24.

If you have any thoughts or ideas that you want to share with Jenni, the LGA’s Policy Lead on Devolution Support, regarding this bulletin or the types of support that the LGA offer, please don’t hesitate to get in touch via email jenni.french@local.gov.uk.

The LGA is always looking to hear from authorities who already have a devolution deal in place or are starting on their devolution journey to show case their work – especially where this activity will help inform others who may be experiencing similar issues.  

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