Acting as a family
In my first column for first, I want to reiterate my thanks to the Conservative local government family for supporting my nomination to be the new Leader of the Conservative Group at the LGA.
Councillor Kevin Bentley
Making work local
Councils can improve jobs and skills outcomes for less if given the powers to coordinate local provision.
Streamlining procurement
Councils want to harness their spending power to get greater social value from public contracts
Jobs support for young people
Powers over education and training for young people need to be localised to avert an employment crisis.
Keeping adult learners on course
Adult and community education is providing a vital lifeline during the pandemic – but more funding is needed to help councils run extra courses virtually.