As first was going to press, the LGA was launching a consultation with staff on restructuring the organisation.
Proposals in the new-look organisation include making better use of digital data and insight to anticipate emerging trends and influence future decision-making; generating more commercial income to do more for LGA members without having to increase core costs; and providing stronger support across fewer regions.
The restructure will also bring policy and improvement together in one ‘impact’ directorate, focused on five ‘impact areas’ – health and care, children and young people, economic growth and communities, local government resources, and improvement and productivity.
Cllr Louise Gittins, LGA Chair, said: “Our new transformation model will allow us to be even more responsive to our members’ evolving needs, build even greater trust with our partners and in Whitehall, and help shape national reform using data-driven, place-based evidence.
“Our new way of working ensures clear accountability, even stronger programme planning, and will empower local leadership.
“There is monumental change ahead for councils with devolution and reorganisation. Many are facing financial challenge at a time when we need to be market-shaping services that are fit for the future and sustainable for the many people who rely upon them day in, day out.
“Our new model allows us and our members to be at the heart of shaping the future of local government.”