Councillor James Jamieson 
I am sure many of us will be glad to see the back of yet another year dominated by the coronavirus pandemic. From the awful loss of loved ones, friends and colleagues to widening health inequalities, economic turmoil and worsening mental health, COVID-19 has impacted every part of our lives.
COP26 underlined councils’ importance in tackling the climate emergency.
Levelling up has meant “everything and nothing” for some people because they “haven’t been able to get a fix on it” – not my words, but those of Michael Gove MP, on his 36th day as Secretary of State for Levelling up, Housing and Communities.
The Spending Review 2021 takes place on 27 October, and it’s safe to say that the first multi-year settlement since before the pandemic will be crucial for local government.
Adult social care and support is a vital public service that helps people of all ages, with different needs and in different settings, to live the life they want to lead.
As first was going to press, Prime Minister Boris Johnson was working through a Cabinet reshuffle that has seen some important ministerial changes in key Whitehall departments for local government.
Last month, the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change issued a stark reminder of the impact of climate change.
Throughout the pandemic, local government has demonstrated the value of local leadership and stepped up and delivered for our communities when it mattered.
The great national challenges of our day – living with coronavirus, building back the economy, ensuring high-quality care, and protecting the environment for future generations – all have one thing in common.
