Agenda item

The Chair invited Philip Clifford, Senior Adviser, to introduce the report.

Philip introduced the report which, following the recent publication of the Levelling Up White Paper, proposed four issues for the Board to consider as part its work programme over the remaining political cycle: county deals and the devolution framework; the UK Shared Prosperity Fund; neighbourhood governance; and the expected levelling up and devolution bill. It also asked for the Board’s views on the emerging work related to the government’s commitment to streamline growth funding.

Board Members made a number of comments and asked questions which related to the following points:

• The devolution framework.
• The best opportunity for further devolution to deliver for residents and businesses.
• The LGA offer of guidance to councillors to help them make decisions for the areas in which they represent.
• Accountability for local councillors and the involvement of their communities.
• Better supporting town and parishes’ governance and culture.
• The lack of capacity within government departments to respond to enquiries.
• The importance districts and boroughs having clear responsibilities and powers.

Philip and the Chair responded to Board Members’ comments, setting out the following points:

• Residents and their needs continued to be the key point of focus.
• The importance of an open and honest conversation with government officials and the need to think about what the LGA could better offer as an organisation, was emphasised.

Decision:

• Board Members noted the report.

Action:

• Officers to submit a report to a future meeting of the Board in relation to the government’s plan to streamline growth funding.