15 June 2007
The Local Government Association has published a 'prospectus' outlining what every high-performing council should be doing and detailing areas where more work is needed.
The June 12 consultation document, Our future: a prospectus for local government, comes as Lord Best's study into the future role of the LGA itself draws to a close and local authorities prepare for a new prime minister.
LGA chair Sandy Bruce-Lockart said: 'Local government as a whole – councils, the LGA and the central bodies – should commit to raising our own game. But this also needs government to release the huge potential of local government by committing to a bold devolutionary agenda.'
The document details six areas where urgent progress is needed if town halls are to improve the quality of services and prove their 'place-shaping' credentials.
These include: ensuring Local Area Agreements deliver and work effectively; addressing the poor public reputation of councils; and improving the competence of councillors and the quality of the workforce.
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