A n authoritative report published by Britainthinks recently concluded that local authorities enjoy very high levels of satisfaction and trust from their residents. This contrasts starkly with confidence in central government, which is at a low ebb, and illustrates just how well councils across the UK have coped over the last few very difficult years.
And a second report, produced by the Local Government Information Unit (LGIU), highlights the financial difficulties faced by councils, noting that over half of local authorities in England are planning to cut services in the coming financial year, and increase their council tax rates by the maximum possible.
The resilience of local councils has been severely tested by a seemingly inexorable series of challenges over the last 15 years. From the financial crisis of 2008-9, through the Covid-19 pandemic, to the current cost of living crisis, the fallout from these events has stretched budgets to breaking point.
Yet local councils have not only survived this relentless onslaught, but in many cases they have come through stronger, more agile and with their reputations enhanced. Services have largely been maintained – and in some cases even improved – despite these pressures.
This survival has brought its own consequences though. communities' expectations have been raised and there is a risk of councils becoming the victims of their own success as new financial burdens put even more strain on their ability to deliver.
In our local authority partnerships we have seen how the councils that enjoy the greatest success are those prepared to buy in to the flexible, collaborative approach; show the willingness to adapt to suit changing circumstances; and are prepared to ‘think the unthinkable' in how frontline services are delivered.
Survival in these difficult times will depend even more on partnership working, with complementary strengths and shared vision, and this approach will provide a greater chance of seeing councils' reputations remaining positive amongst their local communities.
This article is sponsored content for The MJ
