The Secretary of State for Levelling Up announced several key
updates to help local authorities up and down the country in a
keynote speech at the Local Government Association annual
conference in Bournemouth today (Tuesday 4 July).
The speech contained several new policy interventions for the
local government sector, including the official launch of the new
Office for Local Government, a consultation into Best Value
guidance and a funding simplification plan to help councils up
and down the country.
Recognising the benefits of simplifying funding delivery, the
Secretary of State set out the plan for streamlining the funding
landscape for local authorities. This publication follows
the commitment within the landmark Levelling Up White Paper, to
deliver more transparent, simple and accountable approach to
funding. By reducing administrative burdens, this plan will
support local authorities to maximise their return on spending,
generating the best outcomes for communities whilst cutting
unnecessary paperwork and bureaucracy. This will help streamline
non-statutory funding that goes to local authorities, such as
local growth funding.
To this end, a new funding simplification plan has been
published, including commitments to roll-out a new digital
funding service, making it easier for authorities to access and
monitor funding and the intention to launch a new doctrine for
government funding to local authorities. This will set out an
expectation to encourage use of allocation funding where
possible, while acknowledging the valuable contribution of
competitions to local growth and for some funding streams.
Levelling Up Secretary said:
“We know the sheer number of different funds has become difficult
to navigate and deliver. The billions of pounds allocated so far
through the Levelling Up and Shared Prosperity Funds are
genuinely transformative and we are always looking for ways to
improve how they reach you.
“Today, we are publishing the Government’s plan for a new,
simpler, landscape for local authorities, in line with our White
Paper commitment.
The new Office for Local Government (Oflog) will empower citizens
to hold local leaders to account while supporting local leaders
to innovate and drive self-improvement. Oflog will provide
authoritative and accessible data and analysis about the
performance of local government and support its improvement. It
will also recognise and celebrate the many examples of success in
local government, showcasing the best in class. Where local
authorities are identified as at risk of potential failure, Oflog
will convene dialogues between local authorities and expert local
leaders to explore the issues in more detail.
Commenting on the launch, the Levelling Up Secretary said:
“By providing targeted data and analysis, Oflog will champion the
very best in local government and also help us to identify where
councils need targeted support to deliver.
A consultation into new statutory guidance on what constitutes
Best Value, and the standards authorities are expected to meet by
government and residents was also announced in the
speech.
Addressing councillors, he applauded their dedication to public
service and thanked them for their work in spreading opportunity
and growing local economies:
“That is why the first announcement I’d like to make today is
quite simple - thank you.
Putting yourself forward for elected office in local government
is an act of selfless public service. Acting as an officer in
local government is a noble profession and every one of you
deserves our gratitude.”
During the speech also he outlined his commitment to continuing
to roll out devolution packages across the UK to empower local
leaders, and to working closely with councils to ensure they
deliver public services and investment in the most effective
way. Our landmark devolution deals are putting more power
and money in the hands of leaders right across England who know
their communities best and can deliver for local people.
Alongside the six devolution deals signed in 2022, the
trailblazer deals signed with Greater Manchester and the West
Midlands mark significant progress towards our Levelling Up
mission that every area of England that wants one will have a
deal by 2030.
The full speech from today’s conference in Bournemouth is
available online here.
