|
This week is the well-attended District Council Network (DCN) conference 2024. (#dcnconf2024). It is fantastic to see so many Independent and Green Councillors sharing good ideas and ways of working to ensure our voice remains strong and vibrant within the local government family.
Local Government Minister Simon Hoare MP spoke in support of local Government and of civility. He stressed that he wished to be referred to as the ‘Minister with, not “for” Local Government’. Independents are in their biggest numbers at DCN ever, and caused something of a stir. The Minister agreed with us in saying that the current funding formula for local government is ‘too clunky, too siloed and needs starting from scratch’, but any serious change will have to wait for the next Parliament.
Thanks to Cllr Andy Mellen, Green Party Leader of Mid Suffolk District Council, who spoke on “seizing the initiative on the environment”. Also, my thanks to Cllr Hannah Dalton, Independent Leader of Epsom and Ewell, chairing a pertinent and informative session about ‘Supporting our communities in difficult times’. Startling statistics from the Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, Dame Clare Moriarty, pointed to 222,000 people helped last year from Citizens Advice Bureaus that had reduced from 1,000 to just 243, making it harder for people to access support. The Trussell Trust also brought bad news pointing out that food banks were 37% busier than last year, handing out a total 3 million food parcels.
In our Independent Group event, I was pleased to welcome almost thirty leading councillors, despite the early start! Our DCN Lead member, Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council, led the discussion. We considered our key messages in the current political climate and how we could do more for our team. Our new Think-Tanks discussion forums online and the current fortnightly Council Leader meetings will help. The big parties appear to be readying themselves for an early election. It was a fruitful and lively discussion, with our members sharing what we do best which is to listen, discuss, debate and then come to a genuine consensus. In Ashfield, we have a very strong opportunity this year of returning an Independent Member of Parliament. If you would like to help Jason or any of our Parliamentary candidates, please get in touch. The Independent Network is running weekly support sessions.
Among the key concerns raised were protecting leisure centres, mental health and affordable, energy-efficient housing. If you are a member of a District Council, please get in touch with the Group Office to share your suggestions with the Team, Jason, Hannah Dalton, Andrew Mellen and Dr Paul Harvey, Independent Leader of Basingstoke and Deane.
This week, the Annual Fire Services Conference took place in Bristol, chaired by Independent Councillor Frank Biederman from Devon County Council. As our climate changes and new housing is built in our towns and cities, we must ensure our councils are resilient and ready for new risks emerging. The Fire Services need to be on a level playing field alongside the Police, with more joined-up regulations.
I look forward to seeing some of you in Caernarfon for the Annual Plaid Cymru Spring Conference and speaking at their pre-dinner drinks reception. I shall be emphasising what the LGA is doing for all our Welsh members and how we can together improve local services.
Our Council Leaders also met online this week. Next week is a busy one at the LGA. All members are welcome to come in any daytime to use the “Open Councils” area to work or to meet others and enjoy the patio overlooking the Houses of Parliament. Let the Independent Group Office know and they will be pleased to see you.
1-2-1 with new Chief Executive, Joanna Killian
A day after our new LGA Chief Executive begins her role, I will be meeting Joanna Killian for a formal one-to-one introduction and discussion. If you have any queries or questions, you would like me to raise on your behalf, please get in touch with the office. Joanna starts on March 18th.
Pathways to Planning Programme
To help councils recruit good planners, our LGA Planning Advisory Service (PAS) is recruiting for its next cohort of graduates for its ‘Pathways to Planning’ programme. The scheme is an exciting opportunity for councils and graduates alike, offering a talent pipeline and excellent value for money. The deadline to sign up is 31 March. For more information, please email the Pathways to Planning Team!
Recruiting new Member Peers!
Have you ever considered becoming a member peer? We currently have 43 peers comprising Greens also, boasting a wealth of extensive knowledge and experience, ready to share with our member councils. Peers provide a ‘practitioner perspective’ and ‘critical friend’ challenge. They can help mentor those in leadership, whether in control or opposition, specific portfolio areas for cabinet members as well as bespoke requests specific to the local authority. We are particularly interested in applications from underrepresented backgrounds such as BAME and LGBTQ+. If you require more information, please contact the Group Office
Survey of adult social care Lead Members
If you are a Lead Member for adult social care, you should have received a unique link to complete a survey we are conducting to gather views on the current issues facing ASC and what the priorities should be for the future. We are keen to hear from you, as your views are crucial in ensuring that our lobbying work amplifies the concerns of the sector. If you are a Lead Member for adult services but haven’t received a link, please contact James Harman.
Local Authority Housing Fund
The Local Authority Housing Fund Round 3 launched last week. In response to sector concerns, government has introduced welcome changes to this third round of funding, including removing the requirement for councils to match fund a specific percentage on each property and introducing a 10 per cent new supply uplift. For more information, sign up for an online webinar on 19 March.
Energy Bills Discount Scheme
Domestic customers on heat networks between 1 April 2023-31 March 2024 receive support with their heating and hot water bills via the Energy Bills Discount Scheme. All heat suppliers with domestic end consumers are required by law to apply for the scheme and pass on the benefit they receive to their end consumers. Councils and housing associations that operate heat networks will need to apply. The scheme closes on 31 March 2024 so please apply as soon as possible.
Dates for the Diary
LGA Transformation Conference (hybrid event)
Tuesday 26 March 2024, 10.30am - 3.30pm
The conference is an opportunity for those with an interest in change management, organisational development, digital and transforming council services to network with peers and hear the very latest thinking on this key improvement agendas.
Make a difference, work for your local council – A national recruitment campaign for local government (virtual event)
Tuesday 30 April 2024, 10:30am – 12:00pm
A national recruitment campaign for local government has been co-produced with local authorities and Solace: ‘Make a Difference, Work for Your Local Council’. This event will present the campaign, the findings from a pilot delivered in the North East, and the ambitions for a national roll-out.
LGA Annual Conference and Exhibition 2024 (in-person event)
Tuesday 2 – Thursday 4 July 2024 | Harrogate
Join us in Harrogate for the biggest event in the local government calendar, where we’ll be discussing the latest issues affecting local government.
Wishing you all the very best of luck in all you are doing. Have a great weekend!
And finally…
Got an issue? Need to ask a question? Does your council require help and bespoke support on areas such as governance, financial planning and changes in political leadership?
Meet our Regional Lead Peers!
Together, these groups of experts provide challenge, advice and support to help councils and councillors address their priorities.
Get in touch now!
|
