Local government is at its best when decisions are shaped by the people they affect.
Evidence, research and professional expertise are all essential, but they are strongest when combined with the insight of those who have experienced services first hand.
At the LGA’s recent annual conference, our plenary speaker Luke Rodgers BEM – who shared his experience of growing up in care and the work he now leads to improve outcomes for care-experienced young people – reinforced the importance of ensuring lived experience has a meaningful place in policy development.
His reflections were a timely reminder that those people who use our services often have the clearest understanding of where they succeed, where they fall short and how they can be improved.
For Independent councillors, this approach is nothing new. Our strength has always been our close connection to the communities we serve.
We are often the first to hear residents’ concerns, understand local circumstances and see the impact that national decisions have on everyday lives. Those conversations provide invaluable insight that should help shape local priorities and influence national policy.
“Those who use our services often have the clearest understanding of how they can be improved”
This is particularly important for children and young people with care experience. As corporate parents, we have a responsibility not only to support them, but also to ensure their voices help inform the services designed for them and for future generations.
The same principle applies across local government. Whether we are considering housing, public health, adult social care or community safety, policies are more effective when they are informed by those with direct experience.
Listening should never be a token exercise. It should be embedded throughout policy development, with people able to see how their experiences have influenced decisions.
By combining evidence with lived experience, councillors can continue to champion practical, community-led solutions that reflect local realities and deliver better outcomes for the people we represent.