Putting local power at the heart of national renewal
Returning from Liverpool, I came away with a renewed sense of optimism about the role local government can play in rebuilding our country.
For too long, too many decisions affecting our communities have been taken far away from the people they impact. This year’s Labour Party Conference felt different.
Across the week there was a clear recognition that if we want to renew Britain, create opportunity and rebuild trust, that change must start in our towns, cities and neighbourhoods.
That message was at the heart of Andy Burnham’s first conference speech as Labour Leader and Prime Minister.
His vision was not simply about a different government, but a different way of governing; one that recognises that local leaders, local communities and local institutions are often best placed to understand the challenges people face and the opportunities that exist in their areas.
The Prime Minister set out an ambitious agenda for national renewal. Central to that agenda was the belief that communities should have a greater say over the future of the places they call home.
On housing, that means giving councils the tools to deliver a new generation of genuinely affordable homes while protecting social housing for future generations. It means helping local authorities tackle rogue landlords, bring empty properties back into use and ensure more people have access to a safe and decent home.
On public services, it means recognising that lasting reform is built through partnership. Whether improving social care, supporting young people, strengthening technical education or building a cleaner and more secure energy system, the message was clear: national government sets the direction, but success depends on empowered local leadership.
That spirit was evident throughout the conference, particularly at our packed Labour Local Government Rally, where we were joined by Angela Rayner, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, as well as Ministers Jim McMahon MP and Florence Eshalomi MP alongside local and regional leaders, to celebrate Labour in local government.
The conversations reflected the extraordinary work taking place in Labour-led councils every day, often in challenging circumstances, to improve lives and strengthen communities.
What stood out most was the appetite for innovation and collaboration. From early intervention and prevention to public service reform and economic growth, councils are showing how practical solutions can deliver real change for residents.
As we return to our communities, there is still much work to do. But there is also a growing sense that local government is no longer being asked simply to implement decisions made elsewhere. Instead, councils are rightly being recognised as partners in shaping Britain’s future.
That matters because the challenges we face, from housing and economic growth to public service reform and community cohesion, cannot be solved from Whitehall alone.
The success of this Labour Government will depend in large part on the success of local communities. And local government stands ready to play its part.
After all, national renewal is built locally. It starts with stronger communities, growth spread across the country and empowering people with a genuine stake in shaping their local area. That’s the work Labour councils are already doing every day, and it’s how we will help rebuild Britain.
- Find out more about the work of the LGA’s Labour Group.