PluggedIN: Reasons to be optimistic?
Author: Alex Thomson, in the MJ |
The mood at the LGA conference seemed to me to be reasonably upbeat ? which is perhaps surprising, given that the sector has been clobbered again by the Treasury.
And it certainly wasn’t the weather that was lightening the gloom, so perhaps those gathered in the cavernous conference centre are starting to feel a bit more optimistic about what the future holds ? and the vision for Rewiring Public Services outlined by Sir Merrick Cockell in his speech.
Of course, there are many in the sector (and some in government) who argue that much of what local government wants is already within its grasp, and that asking and/or waiting for permission is a waste of valuable time.
The organic nature of future changes to the organisation and oversight of local public services was one of the key strands of a fascinating roundtable discussion that Localis hosted at the conference (sponsored by Interserve).
Unsurprisingly, given the room was full of local authority leaders and chief execs, there was no shortage of ambition for councils’ future role. And while there was common agreement that austerity would continue for the foreseeable future, regardless of who is in sitting in the ministerial comfy chairs, this was seen as much an opportunity as a threat. In particular, there was a feeling that it wouldn’t be very long before other public services ? therefore spared the Chancellor’s axe ? would also be feeling the bite of the blade.
And that when they did, local government could and should be poised to assist. But there was also acknowledgement that the problem with re-wiring is that it’s easy to get burnt ? especially when some of the wiring that you’re replacing has lain undisturbed for many years and is a bit, dare I say it, sensitive.
Two specific leadership challenges were discussed. Firstly local authorities need to be credible leaders of their place, so that they are the natural choice to collaborate with those in trouble. And secondly, council leaders need to be prepared for frank conversations with residents about what is, and is not, feasible in terms of local public service provision.
The next few years will see no shortage of unpalatable decisions to be taken and, while there is little doubt that local government is best equipped to bite the required bullets, expectations will have to be carefully managed if local disenchantment is to be avoided.
Alex Thomson is Chief Executive of Localis