|
Greetings Friends and Colleagues!
Meetings with leading members
Thank you to our growing group of Independent, Green and Plaid Cymru Council Leaders, meeting with me weekly to get up to date, gather support and share ideas about how best to tackle the issues we face. For me it is also important to hear from the ground what I need to put into the forthcoming meetings with ministers and with the LGA to improve funding and legislation for our residents.
Ministerial and Local Government Asylum and Resettlement Forum
Deputy Group Leader, Councillor Caroline Jackson and I met with Lord Khan of Burnley and Home Office Minister for Migration and Citizenship Seema Malhotra MP, to discuss Afghan resettlement and the Homes for Ukraine scheme. This Labour Government pledged to end the use of hotels for new arrivals, not yet achieved, and we were asked what we would need to assist. On Afghan resettlement, we welcomed the improved communication in joint working and raised the issue of finding homes for large families with complex needs. We stressed the importance of housing supply and cohesion pressures from new arrivals needing support.
LGA Reset
At the hybrid Councillors’ Forum, Group Leaders gave cross-party support to the new strategic framework for the LGA, but I pointed out that there will be hard decisions as we will need to adjust to the financial shortfall outlined in the mid-term financial strategy. The strategic framework is the result of a huge amount of useful discussion with members, staff and partners is valuable in itself. Our refreshed purpose, vision, goals, values will inform all that we do going forwards.
At the Councillors’ Forum, I was pleased to meet Jim McMahon MP again, who sees local government reorganisation changes as a ‘full package’ to usefully include reshaping public services around place. I questioned that the financial savings may not pay for all the re-organisation. Also that this was devolution, largely to Mayors, but that the East Midlands Mayor at the DCN conference has said she did not consider herself as Local Government and would not be joining us, as they have their own ministerial forum. To keep up to date, the LGA devolution and reorganisation hub is most useful. At the Executive Advisory Forum (EAB), we had reports from the Devolution task Group, the Local Infrastructure and Net Zero Board and the Children’s Board, whose reports are available.
Be a Councillor
I was pleased to speak at another ‘Be a Councillor’ information session on Thursday evening, hosted jointly by our Independent Regional Lead Peer for the South West, Councillor Jim McKenna and Councillor Mandy Ewings, Leader of West Devon Borough Council. It was an opportunity to promote why now is the best time to stand as a candidate and also the great support on offer to candidates and councillors through the Independent Network and at the LGA. Lots of questions were asked and lots of enthusiasm clearly on display!
Local elections – BBC broadcasting guidelines
Our Independent Executive Group met recently with Ric Bailey, policy advisor for the BBC, and formally submitted suggestions for changes to the BBC broadcasting guidelines ahead of the local elections. I am very happy to confirm that the majority were accepted. Our key point was that our Independents are a considerable force in Local Government and deserve proper recognition in the media. That point was accepted. Six of our eight points resulted in change to the national guidance. You may want to refer to this guidance if you feel you are not getting fair coverage.
A call for evidence: New Towns
The House of Lords Built Environment Committee have launched a modular inquiry into new towns and expanded settlements. It aims to discover whether new towns and expanded settlements are an effective means of delivering housing, and, if so, how to ensure they are successful. The Government aims to have up to 12 new towns under construction by the next election and more than 100 potential locations in England have already been identified; the majority in London, the south east and the south west. A ‘call to evidence’ has been issued and I invite you to have your say!
Join our online Think-Tanks!
Please remember we have our very popular Think-Tank online forum, which is used for friendly discussion and debate as well as to suggest new ideas for our LGA board members to consider. If you have not signed up already, please email our political assistant, Noleen Rosen, who can provide you with the link.
LGA Membership Pack 2024/25
Our latest LGA membership pack has now been published online and summarises another busy but successful year for us. Please do take a read of this comprehensive document which highlights a number of key milestones for the organisation and celebrates our sector-led improvement offer.
And finally…
As the pre-election period begins this week, may I wish everyone who is standing in the upcoming elections or re-standing, the very best of luck over the campaign period. Please do remember to reach out to your Regional Lead Peers.. Similarly, for those who are not standing, may I thank you for all your hard work and dedication to your residents and your communities over the years. I know being a councillor is not easy on the individual, friends and wider family, but it is vital to have good people to take the reins and stand up for our communities! Good luck to you all!
With best wishes,
As always, please do get in touch with your regional lead peers should you require further help or assistance!
Best wishes,
 Councillor Marianne Overton MBE
Leader of the Independent Group
Vice Chair of the Local Government Association
www.local.gov.uk/lga-independent
Local Government Apprentice of the Year 2025 – Registration now open
Registration for this year's event for this year’s event (21-22 May 2025) is now open. It is an excellent developmental opportunity for apprentices to learn, network and showcase their skills and expertise as they work in virtual teams to experience the opportunities, risks, and challenges in delivering successful services. Booking closes Tuesday 29 April 2025.
How will your Council be marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day this year?
Bank Holiday Monday on 5 May 2025 has been officially dedicated to nationwide community celebrations to mark VE Day 80. The Together Coalition is working with the DCMS to bring communities together on VE day this year as part of the UK Government’s national programme to commemorate the 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day. Councils are being encouraged to plan and host a ‘Great British Food VEstival’ on Monday 5th May and encourage their residents to do the same. That could be street parties, a community BBQ, a picnic or a Big Lunch. Visit Together website for more information or email the councils team for more information.
Dates for the Diary
Tuesday 1 - Thursday 3 April 2025
This key annual conference in public health will offer delegates the opportunity to hear from leading expert speakers on the very latest thinking on health inequalities, as well as gaining insights from those delivering on the ground. It will again provide a much-needed opportunity for the public health community to come together, share learning, take stock and plan for the future.
Wednesday 2 April 2025, 15.00pm - 16.00pm or 18.00pm - 19.00pm | Virtual Event | Councillors
This online event for members will cover the challenges and opportunities their role presents to address the nature emergency and take action to deliver nature recovery. It is especially relevant to cabinet members and portfolio holders. Councillors can sign up for one of two repeat sessions at 15.00pm or 18:00pm.
Thursday 3 April 2025, 10.00am - 11.30am
This virtual event will focus on how councils are coordinating work within their local energy systems to ensure they have a local and regional vision to achieve net zero energy targets. The speakers will share insights on how local authorities can be at the centre of the UK’s energy transition by developing plans for local area energy and heat networks alongside the National Energy System Operator (NESO) and the emerging Regional Energy Strategic Plans (RESPs).
Wednesday 14 May 2025, 10.00am - 3.30pm
The LGA’s annual licensing conference provides an unrivalled opportunity to discuss all the key strategic and practical developments that can be expected to affect councils’ licensing committees and teams over the next year.
Tuesday 1 – Thursday 3 July 2025, Liverpool
Join us in Liverpool for the biggest event in the local government calendar, where we’ll be discussing the latest issues affecting local government.
|
