Responding to the publication of the Levelling Up white paper,
Cllr James Jamieson, Chairman of the Local Government Association
which represents 350 councils across England and Wales, said:
“Levelling up is at the heart of what councils and combined
authorities want for their communities and they have a critical
role to play in achieving the 12 national missions set out in
this wide-ranging white paper.
“The local response to the COVID-19 crisis has demonstrated what
is possible when central and local government work together
towards a shared goal, highlighting the place leadership role
councils play in responding to the needs of local communities. It
is positive to see devolution being extended beyond England’s
city regions and further opportunities for Mayoral Combined
Authorities. Inviting every part of England to experience the
benefits of devolution and decide for themselves what they need
is crucial to improving opportunities and life chances for people
across the country, which councils and Mayoral Combined
Authorities will embrace.
“The Government’s framework for devolution is an important
step and is something that the LGA has long called
for. It is good that the framework will apply to all local
areas and will not impose a one-size-fits-all approach to
governance. We are keen to go further and faster with other
government departments so the whole of government is taking a
‘local first’ approach.
“The launch of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, to be distributed
via councils, is confirmation of their vital leadership role in
bringing together local partners. It will give them greater
certainty and freedom to run local programmes that respond to
local need and can have a real impact on tackling inequalities
and levelling up opportunities, such as boosting employment and
skills, supporting local businesses, achieving net zero and
leading the Multiply programme to improve adult numeracy. We look
forward to actively shaping this with government.
“Local government has a very strong record of data transparency,
including through our award-winning LG Inform data platform. We
will work closely with government on the development of the new
independent body relating to data transparency. This new
organisation must add value and not duplicate the work of other
bodies.
“Councils want to work with the new Levelling Up Advisory Council
and government on making sure that the role of local communities
in delivering change and progress is evidenced well, including on
the joined-up, sustainable funding settlement needed to empower
councils across the country in support of these overall aims.”
