Our local government specialists provide some suggested ‘must-dos’ for the government’s first 100 days to start change on a sound footing:
- Implement multi-year funding settlements for local authorities from 2025 and remove wasteful competitive bidding processes - Local authorities have suffered years of funding cuts and although more money may not be on the table, knowing how much funding they can expect to receive each year will enable them to plan ahead in a way that has not been possible for some time. A clear timetable for the early implementation of multi-year settlements is a priority.
- Explain how the Government will use its powers to build new homes and establish the role of local government – The urgent need to build more homes has been much talked about, but action must now be taken. The new Government will need to make it clear at an early stage how it intends to achieve this and how local authorities will be equipped to assist.
- Set out ambition for GB Energy and partnering with local authorities – More information is needed about the new Government’s proposals for a publicly owned clean energy company. Clarification about how infrastructure will be developed and its impact on local communities will also assist local authorities in planning for the future and what this new initiative will mean.