POLICY AND POLITICS

There is enormous energy and hope out there

The Government has a chance to unleash power and collectively forge new routes to sustainability, says Jessica Studdert

© Labour UK

© Labour UK

As folk at Westminster, like many of us, head off on much-needed summer breaks, we can take stock of what a momentous couple of months it has been.

A new party in government is a once-in-a-generation event, judging by recent history.

Labour's new Cabinet have quickly shorn their shadow status, launching a lightning first few weeks getting manifesto commitments on stream and kicking off a multi-year Spending Review.

The shift in tone has been remarkable. We now have a local government minister who supports councils, a chancellor who recognises the value of the state and a whole government committed to pushing power out of Westminster.

A wave of Total Place-style pilots could use learning in real-time to rapidly roll out and mainstream, reflecting findings back into the centre to further catalyse reform

So far, so good. But the risk of raised expectations and impatience from the outside world is already apparent.

Deep structural socio-economic challenges have been ignored by national policy-makers for years. Services are at a tipping point. The new Government is as short on time as it is on money.

How to make progress? More lightning. Committing to multi-year funding is a welcome first step.

This headroom for longer-term public service planning should be backed up with further measures to make rapid progress. For example, by testing new ways of working that blur service boundaries to better meet identified local needs. Giving radical permission to frontline teams to work creatively with citizens. Sharing data on unequal outcomes with communities affected to mobilise and glean insight into system flaws.

A wave of Total Place-style pilots could use learning in real-time to rapidly roll out and mainstream, reflecting findings back into the centre to further catalyse reform.

There is enormous energy and hope out there – frustrated for too long by a disinterested Westminster. The Government has a chance to unleash power and collectively forge new routes to sustainability.

Jessica Studdert is interim chief executive at New Local

X – @jesstud

POLICY AND POLITICS

Reform of SEND cannot come quickly enough

By Simon Edwards | 05 June 2025

With deficits increasing and liabilities for SEND accruing interest on the existing debt, this issue can no longer be ducked, says Simon Edwards. 'This is wh...

POLICY AND POLITICS

The impacts and risks of immigration and skills policies

By Oliver Lodge | 05 June 2025

Closer collaboration across Government departments and local authorities is vital to securing the benefits of immigration and protecting workers, says Oliver...

POLICY AND POLITICS

A story of smarter SEND funding

By Natalie Kenneison | 05 June 2025

Natalie Kenneison says that despite soaring SEND deficits, a quieter story of progress is unfolding that shows what’s possible when councils take a structure...

POLICY AND POLITICS

The cap doesn't fit

By Justin Griggs | 05 June 2025

Capping some or all parish and town councils would seriously threaten their effectiveness and undermine the broader agenda of devolution and community empowe...

Jessica Studdert

Popular articles by Jessica Studdert