Following last month’s reshuffle, I would like to congratulate Rachel Maclean on her appointment as Housing Minister.
Rachel is an experienced politician, having previously held ministerial positions at the Home Office, the Department for Work and Pensions and the Treasury, and I look forward to working closely with her on this important policy area.
Congratulations are also due to Lucy Frazer, who left the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) to become the new Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.
Given the importance of local government to Lucy’s department – English councils invest £1.1 billion directly in cultural services each year – it is good to have a former DLUHC minister in this key post.
In its engagement with Lucy, I am sure the LGA will be keen to highlight the various recommendations from ‘Cornerstones of culture’, the final report of our independent Commission on Culture and Local Government.
“Local culture can support mental wellbeing, provide educational opportunity and boost the economy”
The report highlights how local culture can support mental wellbeing, provide educational opportunity and boost the economy as part of our recovery from the pandemic.
It is a comprehensive and interesting read, and I am grateful to my colleague Cllr Peter Golds for so ably representing the LGA’s Culture, Tourism and Sport Board on the commission.
I would also like to congratulate Greg Hands on his appointment as the new Chairman of the Conservative Party.
With the local elections fast approaching, this is a particularly important appointment, and along with our colleagues at the Conservative Councillors’ Association, the leadership of the LGA’s Conservative Group is looking forward to working with Greg and his team to ensure that our councillors and candidates are given as much support and help as possible over the coming weeks.
Finally, just a reminder that if Conservative councillors have any issues they wish to raise, or if they require some advice, please do email the Conservative Group office at [email protected] and we will do our best to help.