There is so much in local government Liberal Democrats want to see changed.
We need the government to put aside its internal turmoil and support our councils and councillors in getting things done for our communities.
Nowhere is this support needed more than with local government reorganisation.
Despite numerous assurances from ministers that they are on track for all tranches to be completed by 2028, I am increasingly concerned that the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government lacks the capacity and resources needed to deliver this programme effectively – especially if it continues to foist solutions of its own upon authorities that conflict with the local proposals submitted.
The Liberal Democrat approach would have seen the Government saying to local authorities: ‘The choice should be yours. If local authorities want to move to unitary structures, we will support them to do so. If they choose to retain two tiers, that choice should be respected.’
We would also recognise that the people who are best placed to make decisions on new boundaries are local leaders in consultation with their community.
It was great to meet Liberal Democrat council leaders and the LGA Liberal Democrat Group Executive recently.
I look forward to working with them and, of course, the wider LGA over the coming months to hold the Labour Government to account, and to press for meaningful change.
Bills coming up in Parliament include ones on social housing, the overnight visitor levy, leasehold reform, taxi licensing, highways financing and an education bill.
I will no doubt be hearing from Lib Dem councillor colleagues and the LGA in responding to these – and many other policy areas too!
I look forward to speaking at the LGA’s annual conference next week and continuing to work with you to ensure local government is given the voice – and support – it deserves.