Localism: LGA and Localis argue for locally driven growth
Author: the Information Daily |
The Local Government Association (LGA) has partnered with the think-tank Localis to launch a report arguing for a locally driven regeneration scheme. The report uses several case studies of successful regeneration schemes around the UK.
The report concludes that local authorities are essential in providing local leadership, and should be encouraged to drive growth. Chief Executive of Localis, Alex Thomson, said, “The most consistent ingredient that we found in successful regeneration efforts is strong, effective local leadership”.
The report, titled “Grow your own way – Taking a localist approach to regeneration”, also makes recommendations to Whitehall on how to implement locally driven growth. The recommendations include:
1. Roll out community budgets which will allow localities to make the most out of limited resources.
2. Support funding systems to help finance local regeneration which will save millions of pounds worth of central government funds.
3. Trust local government leadership, as local authorities are best placed to develop tailored solutions to local problems.
Cllr Peter Box, Chair of the LGA, said, “Local communities across the country are badly in need of a growth stimulus to get their economies kick-started”. He said that these recommendations will “drive forward local economies”.