Board work programme 2020/21

Purpose of report

For discussion.

Summary

The report reflects on the major policy developments which have taken place over the past year and anticipates the key areas of focus for the future work of the LGA. Within this context, the paper then sets out the overall priorities for the Board in 2020/21.

Recommendation That Members comment on and agree the proposed work programme. Action Officers to use members’ comments to inform the work of the People and Places Board.

Contact officer:	Sonika Sidhu

Position:	Principal Policy Adviser

Phone no:	0777 580 2327

Email:	Sonika.sidhu@local.gov.uk

Board work programme 2020/21

Background

As set out in the terms of reference, the People and Places Board represents the interests of non-metropolitan councils within the LGA. It shares a number of areas of interest with the City Regions Board and works jointly with them on issues such as devolution, skills and employment, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and local economic growth. The Boards’ makeup allows them to take a different focus or perspective on common interests, most notably concerning progress on devolution in England, where the LGA works with the principle of differential devolution.

The People and Places Board also leads the LGA’s policy development on digital connectivity (mobile and broadband) and the role for councils in the future of rural land management in England.

This paper sets out a proposed work programme for 2020/21. While officers have attempted to set out a programme for the whole year, it is likely that national or local priorities will change over that time. The Board and Lead Members will direct officers to adapt the work programme as and when this happens. While the current plan allows for some flexibility, adding new or expanded work may involve other work being scaled back to fit available resources.

Current context for local government

2019/20 was an unprecedented year for the Board and for the nation. Early in the board cycle a general election was called returning a majority Conservative government. The Government was clear in setting its direction prioritising exiting from the EU and negotiating a trade agreement. It also gave clear indication of its intention to follow a “levelling up” agenda and to publish a devolution white paper.

The latter half of the year saw the country hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and a lockdown which we are still only just emerging from. The pandemic saw councils working at breakneck speed to reconfigure services to protect the venerable and support communities in a wide-ranging manner including creating new offerings and ensuring the continuation of key frontline services.

The long-term impact of COVID-19 will take some time to fully determine. However, councils immediately need additional funding to cover the full costs they have incurred from having to deal with the pandemic and the loss of income they have suffered. Councils across the country are now in the phase of focussing on recovery. This will continue for some time heavily influenced by the national picture around economic recovery and any potential second wave of the virus or local outbreaks.

Post lockdown the LGA has clearly set out how the sector wants to move forward on recovery and its relationship with government in its Rethinking Local publication (embed a link). Over the next few months we anticipate the policy agenda for the LGA being driven by the Economic Recovery and Devolution White Paper, EU Exit preparations and the Spending Review.

Board priorities

2019/20 was a successful year for the People & Places Board as outlined in the end of year board report (embed link). It has left us well positioned to ensure that the interests of non-metropolitan councils can be heard and anticipate that the Local Recovery and Devolution White Paper will be a key vehicle for us to influence.

Given the above, the following priorities are suggested for the Board in 2020/21, building on its work in 2019/20.

Within the context of COVID-19 and the forthcoming English devolution white paper the board will pursue a programme of engagement with Government and rural stakeholders to ensure councils in non-metropolitan England have the powers and resources to lead a successful and sustainable recovery and drive improved outcomes for their communities.

The Board will continue to take forward the LGA’s lobbying work on skills, making the case for the Work Local model and continuing to engage with key stakeholders. The Board may want officers to focus on the role employment and skills will play in the Government’s recovery plans.

The Board will continue to play a leading role in driving forward the digital connectivity agenda.

The Board will seek to ensure the key elements of place-based growth – Rural Land Management, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, trade and investment fit with the priorities and ambitions of non-metropolitan authorities.

Reflecting on feedback from lead members the Board will identify cross cutting policy issues which it would like to work on with other boards in order to help shape LGA lobbying lines e.g. planning, transport, housing.

Board members are invited to comment on the overall balance of the work programme and priorities.

Implications for Wales

Wales is on its own devolution journey. We continue to work with the WLGA on issues of shared importance, including the role of local government post-Brexit and the details of the UKSPF.

Financial Implications

The Board’s activities are supported by budgets for policy development and improvement. Resources will be allocated as directed by members in support of individual objectives.

Next steps

Officers to develop a detailed programme of activity in line with members’ steer.