Rishi Sunak’s impressive tenure as local government minister from 2018 to 2019 gives him rare knowledge of both the strengths of councils and the challenges they face. From a local government perspective this should enable our new Prime Minister to hit the ground running.
An understanding of local government is essential for any incoming PM. While it has long been appreciated that councils are dependent on a strong relationship with the centre, recent events have shown how dependent central Government is on local.
In relation to my own sector, district councils were called on to deliver £9bn of business support grants during Covid and we distributed £175m to self-isolating residents on low incomes – the national pandemic response would have been far less successful without our input. To give another example, districts are working flat out to provide support for 30,000 Ukrainians who have fled war. Government priorities will not be accomplished without a strong local government.
Of course, Mr Sunak has one overriding priority. His tenure as chief secretary to the Treasury and as chancellor equip him with the experience required to steady the economy. It is clear public expenditure is to be reined back during his premiership. The concern is that certain departments, like defence and health, will most likely be protected, leaving local government facing financial challenges. However, Mr Sunak will be aware there is a hugely powerful case for funding for councils to be protected, not least because our expertise can make a huge positive difference in two key areas of his economic challenge.
District councils are the catalysts for growth. More than 40% of new homes built in 2020 were in district areas; the total is up by more than 70% on a decade before. We have the connections to drive growth locally. Meanwhile, on easing the cost of living crisis, we have the local knowledge to target support to those who are in the greatest need; help now can stave off crises and reduce the need for much greater public expenditure in future.
By maintaining district council budgets and offering us some financial certainty, we can be a powerful ally to Mr Sunak. We will strongly make this case to the new Prime Minister.
Cllr Sam Chapman-Allen is chairman of the District Councils’ Network
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