31 October 2003
Stronger and more formal links between local public service providers are unlikely to materialise unless Whitehall stands by its commitment to relax its hold over local government, a London council chief has warned.
Despite discussions to develop local strategic partnerships 'with teeth', Andrew Slaughter, leader of Hammersmith and Fulham Council, said the government needed to 'fulfil its intention to devolve decision-making.'
Speaking after the second meeting of the Innovation Forum, the grouping of the 22 excellent- rated authorities, Slaughter added: 'We think there is mileage in developing more structural links between local public services.'
Three councils, Kent, Hammersmith & Fulham and Blackburn with Darwen, have put forward proposals for the new LSPs. They would integrate local public services, pool budgets and meet locally determined targets.
Kent leader Sir Sandy Bruce-Lockhart said the proposals offered a 'fruitful way forward'. 'I think LSPs can be built on with local government leading the way,' he said on October 28.
Local government minister Nick Raynsford said Chief Secretary to the Treasury Paul Boateng had given the forum a 'firm commitment' to seek to reduce the number of Whitehall targets imposed on local government.
He cautioned against the new partnerships becoming exclusive bodies or 'talking shops' but lent his support to the concept.
PFoct2003
