The Local Government Association (LGA) has confirmed changes to its governance arrangements aimed at giving member councils a greater role as decision makers.

The new structure was passed at a Special General Assembly of the LGA's executive yesterday,  which also voted to streamline the number of boards from 10 to nine and shave £144,000 annually from organisational running costs.

From next month the LGA will introduce two new boards, a City Regions Board and a People and Places Board in recognition of the changing landscape for cities and city regions.  These will replace the current Urban and Rural Commissions.

In addition, from September a revamped Resources Board will be established to incorporate the current responsibilities of the Finance Panel and Workforce Board as well as the financial aspects of the European and International Board.

A new Environment, Economy, Housing and Transport Board would similarly combine the current Environment and Housing Board's portfolio and take on those parts of the economic and transport briefs not covered by the new City Regions and People and Places Boards.

Sir Merrick Cockell, chairman of the Local Government Association, said the changes to Smith Square's governance would enable the organisation ‘to better meet the challenges ahead, and show that as an organisation we can listen, learn, and react to the changing nature of local government and indeed public services'.

‘These new arrangements will put our member councils firmly in the driving seat of LGA decision making,' Sir Merrick added.

'It will also ensure we are able to cut costs and have the capacity and flexibility to relentlessly focus on what matters most to the sector.'