27 May 2005
David Miliband has defended the government's widespread use of targets in its drive to improve local services but has pledged to scrap those that are hindering rather than helping progress.
In his first speech since being appointed Cabinet minister for communities and local government, Miliband argued that service and delivery targets had an important role in 'reinforcing the accountability of the ballot box'.
Addressing the Core Cities Group in Nottingham on May 20, he said local government also recognised the power of effective inspection, which could provide an 'external spur to performance management'.
But Miliband acknowledged there was now a widespread feeling that 'we have ended up with too much of a good thing'. He told the gathering of provincial civic leaders that he was prepared to listen to and act upon such concerns if they were justified. 'Where you show me that the drive for accountability is getting in the way of positive outcomes rather than reinforcing them, I will seek to get it changed.'
In return, however, he called on local government to play its part in holding its own members to account. 'I hope the strongest parts of local government will see it as directly in their own interest to cajole, inspire or strong-arm those who are not so good to raise their game.'
Miliband also sought to use his speech to demonstrate his localist credentials, arguing that councils were best placed to determine local priorities and needs. He said they should be active participants in the drive to improve services rather than passively complying with government edicts.
'Civic pride cannot be imposed; it needs to be nurtured. It is local vision, not a national masterplan, that is key to meeting national goals,' he added.
He set out a five-point plan that would underpin the partnership between central and local government to improve services. This involved the roll-out of Local Area Agreements; effective accountability; stronger links with the voluntary sector; effective public engagement; and strong local leadership.
Sir Jeremy Beecham, vice-chair of the Local Government Association, said the speech was 'splendid'. 'It chimes exactly with our approach of an equal partnership. What he has to do is ensure colleagues in other departments let go of some of their aspirations for targets,' he said.
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