Commission launched to shape future of the localism agenda

June 2, 2011

A high-level Commission will be launched this week to help deliver a workable and sustainable devolution of power to communities.

The Localism Bill is the latest in a series of new policies that have transformed the operating environment for councils and their partners over the past year. As spending cuts bite, NLGN’s Commission on Next Localism aims to provide much-needed strategic thinking space for local authorities to come together, share ideas and shape their collective future.

Comprising some of the most innovative and forward-thinking figures from councils and beyond, the Commission aims to develop a new wave of thinking on localism – examining everything from future council operating models to the role of local politics and the prospects for radical devolution of financial power to localities.

Rafael Behr, Chief Political Commentator, the New Statesman and chair of the Commission on Next Localism, said:

“Across the political spectrum there is agreement that radical ideas are needed to keep public services in this country working. There is also an emerging consensus that innovation must be driven from the ground upwards, with local government taking the lead. But how this will happen, especially at a time of severe spending constraint, is an open question. Our commission will aim to find practical answers. It is no exaggeration to say this is one of the most fascinating and urgent tasks in current British politics.”

Simon Parker, Director of NLGN, said:

“At a time of immense change, it is always tempting to focus on the short term. But the real win for local government and the communities it serves lies in the long run transformation of everything from refuse collection to healthcare”.

“Our commission will work with some of the most interesting localist thinkers to develop a new set of national policy priorities. But more importantly, it will work collaboratively with councils to develop a new reform agenda for the coming decade”

NLGN’s Commission on Next Localism will develop a rigorous set of ideas and propositions for the next era in the localist debate. The Commission’s research will set out a practical agenda to help councils reshape to better cope with developing policy challenges.

To find out more about NLGN’s Commission and the Commissioners DOWNLOAD PDF HERE

To go to the Commission section of our website click HERE


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