The national political narrative of the past few weeks has centred on today: the new chancellor's Autumn Statement. But, in reality, it is unlikely to drastically change anything on the frontline of local government.
For the Government, protecting local authority funding is not a priority per se. There are few votes in saving the Cinderella services that councils provide in the run-up to the looming General Election – particularly compared with the NHS, which is so close to the public's hearts.
But as The MJ's readers will know, that utterly underestimates the role of local government on so many fronts.
If the Government wants to boost economic growth, it needs the frontline services of local government, creating economically successful towns and cities across the country.
If it wants to protect the NHS, it needs the prevention services provided by local government – from housing to public health – to work. If it wants good hospitals, with short waiting lists, social care needs to provide people with support. And, if it wants to protect people through the cost of living crisis, and meet the challenges of the climate crisis, local government will need to be at its best.
In short, if the Government wants to deliver its priorities, it needs to invest in local government.
By far the most important investment that can be made is in staff – in attracting and keeping the brightest and the best into the sector.
Local government is full of talented, committed people working hard to deliver services. Throughout the pandemic, local government worked tirelessly on the frontline, protecting the vulnerable and sheltering communities. It will continue to do so in the face of the coming economic and environmental crises.
Too often, frontline staff are undervalued by the public, they know they can earn more in the private sector. Too often, local is not the first choice career for the next generation of talent. That is why The MJ, alongside Inner Circle Consulting and a host of local government representatives, wants to change the narrative. We want to make councils a first choice career for young people.
We have written to levelling up secretary Michael Gove asking him to work with us on a national recruitment drive for local government – to attract the next generation of talent. Will you join us too?
