Unlocking Better Futures: What’s in the News for Local Government Reformers, 23 February 2024
Jamie Ounan
Public sector reformer and transformer for more than 20 years. Working with senior leaders. Bringing entrepreneurial energy to solve the knottiest problems. Better futures for all.
Welcome back to my weekly digest, 'Unlocking Better Futures,' where we spotlight the transformative efforts and challenges within local governments across the UK. Our commitment to positive advocacy for local government and reformers remains steadfast, as we navigate through complex issues with an optimistic, yet realistic lens. This week, our focus encompasses a wide array of topics, from housing challenges to financial constraints and innovative prevention strategies. Let’s dive into the insights and opportunities presented in this week’s headlines.
Prosperous Places: A Housing-Heavy Agenda
The Housing Conundrum: England’s ambitious target of 300,000 new houses a year shines a light on the acute need for sustainable housing solutions. The complexity of this issue requires a nuanced approach, far beyond simplistic blame games around migration. Financial Times
Funding Withdrawals: The government’s decision to retract ￡538.8m from 16 housing projects underscores the need for reassessment and redirection of housing infrastructure efforts to truly unlock over 42,000 homes. LGC Plus . However, apparently Councils have been offered second chance to claim housing cash. The MJ .
Council Housing Companies: As traditional models falter, could council housing companies offer a viable solution to the crisis? Cornwall’s experience suggests potential in this innovative approach. It’s great for Room151 to put the spotlight on positive example like Cornwall and Barking & Dagenham to counter the negative news media thirst for highlight failures such as Croydon’s Brick-by-Brick.
Tourist Taxes & restricted Lending on Holiday Lets: BCP’s proposal for a tourist tax The MJ which is a strategy missing from many cities and conurbations and part of the debate around the need to devolve tax raising powers and fiscal management to local levels.? BCP have a big Tourist industry and many homes that are holiday lets which do not pay council tax. This leads an interesting move by Leeds Building Society’s announcement of lending restrictions for holiday lets in North Norfolk which highlights the delicate balance between tourism revenue and housing availability.
Local Government Transformation: Navigating Financial Constraints
Funding Crisis Alert: Andy Haldane’s warning about the Tory election pledge being at risk without a solution to the council funding crisis is a call to action for sustainable financial reforms. The Guardian
Oflog’s Priorities: The new watchdog’s mission to inform, warn, and support local governments is a step towards enhancing transparency and accountability. LGC Plus
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The Birmingham Challenge: Birmingham City Council’s financial situation is reported as dire, requiring ￡1.255bn in asset sales. This exemplifies the stark realities and tough decisions facing local governments today. Room151 . I feel for the folk having to deal with this. However, the forced asset sale at the bottom of a market is madness. They do not have to sell, but could wrap thier covenant around the assets and secure investment that would address the short term cash flow issues and the medium to long term financial sustainability of the entire city.
Shifting from Crisis to Prevention (C2P)
Social Care Charging Cap in Wales: Wales’ proposal to raise the social care charging cap is a poignant reminder of the growing pressures on social care systems and the need for equitable funding solutions. Public Finance
Fuel Poverty: Despite a 12% drop in average annual fuel bills, the persisting fuel poverty among 6 million households calls for a comprehensive approach to energy affordability. BBC News
Council Funding vs. Public Health: Finally, this is a brilliant article that shows the link between council funding cuts and public health outcomes is a stark illustration of the far-reaching effects of financial decisions on community well-being. New Statesman
Closing Thoughts
This week’s exploration underscores our sector’s? intricate dance between addressing immediate needs and laying the groundwork for a future where every individual can thrive. Inspired by the ethos of our manifesto, we approach these challenges not as insurmountable obstacles but as opportunities for innovation, growth, and deeper connection.
The path forward for the sector is illuminated by the collective wisdom and relentless dedication of the Local Government community and those covering it’s progress. I hope this week’s edition helps a little. Please add any notable article to this post and share your thoughts and reflections to help each other.