A plethora of former and current government ministers attended the LGA’s annual conference in late June.
The former Levelling Up Secretary, Michael Gove (pictured), confirmed a two-year funding settlement for councils from 2023/24, pledged to complete the long-running Fair Funding Review of local government finance, and to reduce the number of government funding streams.
He also announced a new ‘Office for Local Government’, which would bring together, analyse and publish existing data to “shine a light on how local authorities are performing and delivering”.
Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi, addressing annual conference as the then Education Secretary, thanked councils for their “crucial role” in ensuring Ukrainian refugees’ children are accessing high-quality education and childcare.
Recognising the need for a new partnership between local and central government, he said the Department for Education would adapt its engagement with councils through a new ‘Regions Group’ which would play a central role in helping develop policy to meet local needs.
Simon Clarke, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, outlined the positive impact of devolution on economic growth and reiterated the opportunity for devolution for all councils, calling on them to “grab this opportunity with both hands”, in a session on maximising the opportunities of levelling up.
Former Local Government Minister Kemi Badenoch took part in a debate on civility and respect in public life, and helped launch the LGA’s Debate Not Hate campaign against abuse and intimidation of councillors.
Refugees Minister Lord Richard Harrington discussed support for Ukrainian families, and Care Minister Gillian Keegan talked about the Government’s vision for care reform, including how it needed to be a joint endeavour between local and national government, the NHS, care providers and others.