LGA responds to Fawcett Society report: "Does Local Government work for Women"

Responding to the Fawcett Society Report: ‘Does local government work for women?’ Cllr Marianne Overton, Vice Chair of the Local Government Association, said:

“The report rightly identifies that progress must be made at a faster pace to ensure a greater representation of women in our local authorities.

“It is important that local government reflects the communities it represents and the LGA is leading the Be A Councillor campaign, which includes a focus on encouraging women and under-represented groups to engage with and enter politics. 

“Local government must be at the forefront of driving change, but it will be important to get the balance right between changing culture and imposing structures. Change will also require all political parties, no matter the colour of their rosette, to fully engage and support a wide range of aspiring councillors.  

“Among other things, the LGA is also supporting the Women’s Local Government Society’s project to identify 100 pioneers in women’s suffrage, who went on to use the vote to bring tangible benefits to their communities. The project celebrates the 2018 centenary of women getting the vote and aims to inspire a new generation of women councillors and civic activists.”