For those in local government, it can often feel as if all we ever talk about are challenges, whether those be funding pressures, housing waiting lists or strains on social care.
Add in the ongoing debate around devolution models and service redesign, and it feels even more dire.
But as I take on the role of Chair of Key Cities, I find myself feeling genuinely optimistic. Why? Because I am representing a cross-party network acting for proud communities of millions of people, where businesses contribute billions to the national economy.
Our network goes beyond numbers or economics to connect leaders from different political backgrounds through a shared belief in the power of place.
Our nation’s future depends on the fortunes of our local places, which act as hubs for innovation, learning and culture, driving growth and progress. This shared belief has got us some real results over recent years.
Under the leadership of former Chair Cllr John Merry, Key Cities has established itself as a respected and unifying voice in national conversation, championing the value of urban areas.
We have amplified the interests of local authorities with our report ‘Turbocharging housebuilding in cities and urban areas’, highlighting barriers and opportunities to delivering homes that our residents truly need.
We have promoted the priorities of local leaders through our annual Leaders’ Survey, including the most acute financial pressures and the approaches that will be taken to alleviate them.
Key Cities has continued to challenge the idea that individuals’ opportunities should be determined by where they happen to live. Our ‘Rights to Place’ research identified how geography can impact outcomes, from health to income, and set out targeted and practical solutions for overcoming these barriers through a rights-based approach to policymaking.
With new devolution frameworks being drawn up and new bodies taking shape, local government is evolving rapidly. But beyond structural change, we should keep asking: how can we create places where people can be confident about their future?
Councils are facing real challenges, but those pressures should not overshadow the positive impact they make every day.
Local councils support people who need services, bring new life to high streets, back local businesses and help communities thrive. This is work worth celebrating.
Our cities may differ in size and character, but we share a belief that local leadership matters and that many of the country’s biggest challenges can be addressed in the cities and towns we serve.
I want Key Cities to maintain its position as a trusted voice for government and a strong advocate for local government at the decision-making table, championing what we stand for and what we can achieve.
While leadership may change and policies evolve, Key Cities’ mission remains firmly grounded in creating places where people can build a good life, fulfil their potential and feel proud to call home. I look forward to playing my role in helping to deliver it for many years to come.
- Key Cities is an LGA special interest group and a national network of 22 cities representing urban living in the UK, see Key Cities website.