The LGA has launched a ‘Levelling up local’ inquiry into how the Government’s levelling up agenda might better strengthen local communities.
Its independent steering group will look beyond last month’s levelling up white paper to investigate the role of local leadership in shaping a post-pandemic recovery that works for all.
It will explore: further opportunities to simplify funding to improve the quality of public services and address deprivation; the role that devolution to democratically elected leaders can play in bringing communities together; how best to improve prosperity, involving local and national government alongside the private and public sector; and the potential of local cultural and other assets to strengthen investment in places.
The inquiry will be co-chaired by Mayor Marvin Rees, Chair of the LGA’s City Regions Board, and Cllr Kevin Bentley, Chairman of the LGA’s People and Places Board.
The Government’s flagship white paper set out 12 national ‘missions’ intended to help level up the UK by the end of the decade – covering pay, productivity, skills, local transport, broadband, school performance, life expectancy, wellbeing, pride in place, home ownership, crime rates, and devolution deals for every area in England that wants one.
LGA Chairman Cllr James Jamieson said: “Levelling up is at the heart of what councils and combined authorities want for their communities and they have a critical role to play in achieving the 12 national missions set out in this wide-ranging white paper.
“The local response to the COVID-19 crisis has demonstrated what is possible when central and local government work together towards a shared goal, highlighting the place leadership role councils play in responding to the needs of local communities.”