Local Government Information Unit – Page 2 – The NEN

Immediate local government reforms required to prevent millions more people living in bankrupt boroughs

With a record number of councils expected to declare bankruptcy this year, over 60 council leaders and chief executives have contributed to a new Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) manifesto that – if implemented – could prevent millions of people from living in bankrupt boroughs in 2024/25.

Today’s report, LGiU@40: For the Future of Local Government, calls for a new covenant between central and local government that agrees: an immediate end to competitive bid funding; a return to multi-year financial settlements and early consultation on budgets.

According to the report, almost all leaders and chief executives consulted felt that the level of challenge they were dealing with right now was unlike anything they had seen in their careers to date. Uncertainty over funding and being prevented from making long-term decisions were their biggest complaints and they urged a return to multi-year financial settlements.

The LGIU’s annual State of Local Government Finance report earlier this year revealed only 14% of senior council figures have confidence in the sustainability of council finances and 7.5% – 12 different councils – said there was a danger that financial constraints could risk their capacity to deliver their statutory duties – the essential services they are legally required to provide.

This new manifesto was informed by interviews with more than 60 chief executives and leaders from councils of all sizes, types and political control across England, Scotland and Australia, as well as new research that compares the British local government system to those in Italy, Germany and Japan.

Compounding the funding crises are concerns around status – that central government treats councils as subordinate entities and exerts excessive central control, constraining local government’s autonomy. The new covenant should commit to a system where successful local autonomy is embedded within, and supported by, continual systems of active cooperation between different levels of government.

In addition to the immediate calls for action, the report proposes several longer-term measures including moving to open devolution, a review of taxation and a single local (or sub-regional) budget for spending on all services.

LGiU@40: For the Future of Local government was launched today at the LGIU’s first annual Local Democracy Research Centre (LDRC) symposium where guest speakers included Professor Patrick Diamond, Dr Madeleine Pill, Professor Liz Richards, Professor Richard Eccleston, Dr Peter Eckersley, Theo Blackwell MBE (Chief Digital Officer, Mayor of London), and Keiran Pedley (Research Director, Public Affairs, Ipsos).

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, LGIU, said: “Eight councils have now declared bankruptcy leaving nearly 2 million residents facing higher bills for a bare minimum service.

“LGIU research indicates that 12 more councils could declare bankruptcy in 2024/25 and we are calling on the Government to prevent millions more people from being forced to live in bankrupt boroughs by bringing an immediate end to competitive bid funding and returning to multi-year financial settlements based on an area’s need.

“Local government is responsible for care homes, vulnerable children, emergency accommodation, leisure centres, libraries and so much more. Essential services that genuinely change millions of people’s quality of life on a daily basis.

“Councils are pulling every lever available to stay afloat: raising council tax, raising charges, cutting services, increasing commercial investments, spending finite reserves and selling assets but it is simply not enough. The link between funding and need is completely broken.

“As more and more councils warn that they will soon be unable to balance their books, this is clearly a moment of crisis for local government. But it’s also a moment of opportunity.

“We’re already in the run-up to the next general election; whoever is in government after that election has the opportunity to reset the relationship between central and local government, to finally give councils the tools they need to be the force for change we all need them to be.

“The chief executives and leaders interviewed for LGIU@40 are sending a clear message. We are at a point of crisis, if we fall over the consequences for the country as a whole are catastrophic, but if we are set free to deliver, the opportunities are endless.”

Local councillors across Scotland awarded in annual showcase of the best of local government

NO EDINBURGH COUNCILLORS MAKE THE SHORTLIST

LGIU Scotland and CCLA were proud to unveil the winners of the 2023 Cllr Awards; the only national awards ceremony to celebrate the vital work of local councillors across Scotland.

At Edinburgh’s City Chambers, the top prize of the night, Leader of the Year, went to Cllr John Alexander of Dundee City Council.

Cllr Ruairi Kelly of Glasgow City Council walked away with the Community Champion prize and Cllr Heather Woodbridge of Orkney Islands Council claimed Resilience Champion.

Cllr Dan Hutchison, of Glasgow City Council, went home with Young Councillor of the Year while Cllr Helen Wright from Dundee City Council was awarded Lifetime Legend for her service.

Winners triumphed over nearly 100 nominations across five categories that celebrate the wide-ranging work of councillors. The Cllr Awards are a hugely important way to champion what councillors do locally as their work can, all too often, go unrecognised. Read more about the winners here.

The Cllr Awards judging panel was made up of senior councillors and leading stakeholders from across the sector. These are the only national awards to celebrate and showcase the work of individual councillors across Scotland and are only made possible thanks to the generous support of founding partners CCLA.

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) Scotland said: “In the face of unprecedented domestic and global challenges over the last year, councillors nationwide have once again exhibited unwavering dedication to serving their constituents.

“Tonight’s winners show the remarkable contributions local councillors make to their communities and we at LGIU Scotland are dedicated to celebrating these achievements that genuinely improve the lives of local residents.

“As councils continue to deliver essential services like social care and housing amid a cost of living crisis, these awards are a hugely important way to champion what councillors do locally. I extend heartfelt congratulations to all the Cllr Awards winners this evening. We applaud you for your dedication.”

Minister for Local Government Empowerment, Joe FitzPatrick MSP said: “As someone who was previously a councillor, I recognise the important role councils play in delivering vital frontline services for our communities.

“Every councillor nominated for these awards exemplifies this spirit of public service and I congratulate them all.

It is crucial the Scottish Government works in partnership with local government to achieve the best possible outcomes for people. This approach, which is built on mutual trust and respect, is particularly important as we work to help people through the current cost crisis.”

Yousaf announces Council Tax freeze

STUC: ‘Today’s announcement will only make situation worse’

COSLA: ‘We were unaware of it in advance‘

Council tax rates will be frozen in the next financial year to support people struggling with the effects of high inflation, the First Minister has announced.

The freeze will benefit every Council Tax-payer in Scotland at a time when rising prices are putting significant strain on household finances. The Scottish Government will fully fund the freeze to ensure councils can maintain their services.

First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “Today’s announcement will bring much needed financial relief to those households who are struggling in the face of rising prices. Council tax is already lower in Scotland than elsewhere in the UK, and some 2.5 million households will now benefit from this freeze.

“Of course, the public sector across the UK is facing budget pressures as a result of UK Government austerity, and we know councils are facing financial challenges themselves. That’s why the Scottish Government will be fully funding this freeze to ensure they can continue providing the services on which we all rely. This is on top of the real-terms increase to local government revenue funding this financial year.

“The Scottish Government remains wholly committed to the Verity House Agreement, and as part of that are continuing work with COSLA on a new fiscal framework for local authorities.

“We are also working on longer term reforms to the council tax system, which are being considered by the working group on local government funding that we are chairing jointly with COSLA.”

A COSLA Spokesperson said: “We have just heard the announcement made at the SNP Conference in relation to freezing council tax. We were unaware of it in advance.

“This has longer term implications for all councils right across the country, at a time when we know there are acute financial pressures, and where we are jointly looking at all local revenue raising options.

“We will need to consider the implications for COSLA and Local Government with our members when we get more of the detail.

“This will also need to be examined against the principles of the recently signed Verity House Agreement.”

COSLA arranged an emergency meeting of their Executive, who issued the following statement:

There is absolutely no agreement to freeze Council Tax next year COSLA’s Presidential Team said today (Wednesday 18th October).

“The announcement of a council tax freeze as we said yesterday was made completely without reference to Local Government and there is no agreement to freeze council Tax next year, the decision to freeze council tax is one which can only be made by Councils.

“Our Cross-Party Group Leaders held an emergency meeting first thing this morning on the back of the announcement and there is real anger at the way this has been handled and what it puts at risk.

“On the back of this our Political Group Leaders also asked us to seek an urgent meeting with the First Minister.

“We deplore the way the announcement was made and its substance, both of which fly in the face of the Verity House Agreement which we all recently signed.

“It has been shown that previous council tax freezes have been regressive, having no impact for the poorest in society and eroding the council tax base, compounding councils’ ongoing underfunding.

“We will explore the implications arising and what the Scottish Government might propose when we meet with the Deputy First Minister later today – but we are clear that local taxation and particularly Council Tax should be left for democratically elected councils to determine.”

THE STUC responded swiftly to the First Minister’s announcement of a council tax freeze:

https://twitter.com/i/status/1714597373681279306

THE Scottish Greens, the SNP’s partners in government, have also expressed concerns. Scottish Greens finance spokesperson Ross Greer MSP said: “We are concerned about the effect this freeze could have on already-strained frontline public services if it is not properly funded.

“Our local councils and people who rely on services like social care, schools and early years centres must not lose out as a result of this announcement.

“Green MSPs will now work with our government colleagues in the SNP to work through the details, ensure that their decision is sustainably financed and that the most vulnerable people in our communities do not see the services they rely on being underfunded as a result.

“The First Minister is right to want to support those who are struggling the most through the cost of living crisis, but the way to do that is to completely replace the deeply unfair Council Tax with a more progressive system.

“As we have repeatedly highlighted, council tax is a ludicrously broken system. It hasn’t been accurate since before I was born, with most people now paying the wrong rate as a result of those 1991 valuations.

“The Scottish Greens have ensured that Scotland’s income tax system is the fairest in the UK, raising a billion pounds more every year for essential services like the NHS and our schools by asking those earning the most to pay a bit more.

“That is the progressive approach we will take once again as we work with SNP colleagues to agree the national budget for 2024-25.”

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, LGIU Scotland, said: “LGIU Scotland is deeply concerned by yesterday’s announcement from the First Minister to freeze council tax.

”The lack of consultation with local government demonstrates a failure of the principles of trust and respect that should be the foundation of the working relationship between the Scottish Government and local authorities and which are at the heart of the Verity House Agreement.

“Our research shows how important it is that local government is empowered to make decisions regarding its financing. International comparisons clearly show the detrimental impact that undermining the financial independence of local authorities has on the financial sustainability of the sector and the delivery of essential local services.

“Freezing council tax should be a decision for councils, not for central government. Even where those freezes are funded by grants, the loss of growth in the council tax base undermines the council’s finances for years to come. Many councils in England are still recovering from this nearly a decade on.

“Everyone aspires to a sustainable, stable future for local government finances but this can only be achieved by giving councils control, not by imposing decisions upon them.

“Scotland had seemed to be making good progress in this regard with the Verity House Agreement and commitments to empowering local government. So it’s disappointing to see this backward step.”

Annual Cllr Awards shortlist unveiled

Just ONE Edinburgh Councillor makes the cut

14th annual Cllr Awards shortlist unveiled
Local councillors from Cornwall to the Orkney Islands shortlisted for national awards

49 local councillors from across England, Wales and Scotland have been shortlisted for the 2023 LGIU and CCLA Cllr Awards, showcasing the vital contributions of councillors for the 14th year running.

Competition was extremely tight with more than 300 nominations received across five categories that celebrate the wide-ranging work of councillors. The categories up for grabs this year include Community Champion, Leader of the Year, Young Councillor of the Year, Resilience Champion and Lifetime Legend

Only one City of Edinburgh councillor has made the shortlist. Leith Labour councillor James Dalgleish (above) is in the running for the Young Councillor of the Year Award.

The winners in England & Wales will be announced at the Guildhall in London at 7pm on 16 November 2023. The winners in Scotland will be announced at the City Chambers in Edinburgh at 7pm on 21 November 2023.

RSVP here to secure your place.

The Cllr Awards judging panels are made up of senior councillors and leading stakeholders from across the sector. These are the only national awards to celebrate and showcase the work of individual councillors. This year’s awards are made possible thanks to the generous support of founding partners CCLA.

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, LGIU said: “In the face of unprecedented domestic and global challenges over the last year, councillors nationwide have once again exhibited unwavering dedication to serving their constituents.

“The shortlist for the 2023 Cllr Awards represents some of the most devoted elected representatives in England, Wales and Scotland.

“As councils continue to deliver essential services like social care and housing amid a cost of living crisis, these Awards are a hugely important way to champion what councillors do locally. Their work, all too often, goes unrecognised and we take great pride in featuring their stories in this year’s shortlist.

“Congratulations to all the councillors nominated and shortlisted and I look forward to announcing the winners in November.”

2023 Shortlist – Scotland

Community Champion

Cllr Geva Blackett – Aberdeenshire Council

Cllr Duncan Cumming – East Dunbartonshire Council

Cllr Ruairi Kelly – Glasgow City Council

Cllr Alastair Redman – Argyll and Bute Council

Cllr Kirsten Robb – South Lanarkshire Council

Leader of the Year

Cllr John Alexander – Dundee City Council

Cllr Stephen McCabe – Inverclyde Council

Cllr Cecil Meiklejohn – Falkirk Council

Cllr James Stockan – Orkney Islands Council

Lifetime Legend

Cllr Jim Logue – North Lanarkshire Council

Cllr Ross Vettraino – Fife Council

Cllr Martha Wardrop – Glasgow City Council

Cllr David Watson – South Lanarkshire Council

Cllr Helen Wright – Dundee City Council

Resilience Champion

Cllr Chris Lunday – East Renfrewshire Council

Cllr Nairn McDonald – North Ayrshire Council

Cllr Angus Millar – Glasgow City Council

Cllr Samuel Payne – Aberdeenshire Council

Cllr Heather Woodbridge – Orkney Islands Council

Young Councillor of the Year

Cllr James Dalgleish – Edinburgh Council

Cllr Scott Hamilton – Scottish Borders Council

Cllr Dan Hutchison – Glasgow City Council

Cllr Kristopher Leask – Orkney Islands Council

Cllr Lana Reid-McConnell – Glasgow City Council

Scotland’s top councillors unveiled

5th annual Cllr Awards held in Dundee showcases the best of local government

LGIU Scotland and CCLA are proud to unveil the winners of the 2022 Cllr Awards, the only national awards to celebrate the vital work of local councillors across Scotland.

This evening, the Awards ceremony took place at Caird Hall with hosts Dundee City Council along with special guests and speakers, including Ben Macpherson MSP (Minister for Social Security and Local Government) and Cllr Steven Heddle (COSLA Vice President). The ceremony was also streamed live on YouTube.

The top prize of the night for Community Champion went to Cllr David Macdonald of East Renfrewshire Council. Cllr Connor McManus of Midlothian Council walked away as the Young Councillor of the Year (below) and Cllr Maureen Chalmers of South Lanarkshire Council claimed the Resilience and Recovery Award.

Bailie Malcolm Cunning of Glasgow City Council was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award for his service (in memoriam). And, all leaders across Scotland were showcased and recognised for their remarkable contributions to local government over the last two years. The full list of winners is included below.

Running for the 5th year, the Cllr Awards are a hugely important way to champion what councillors do locally as their work can, all too often, go unrecognised.

Competition was particularly tight this year with nearly 100 nominations received. The winners were selected by a group of judges that included senior councillors and leading stakeholders from across the sector. A link to re-watch the Awards is available HERE.

This year’s Awards were made possible thanks to the generous support of founding partners CCLA.

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, LGIU Scotland said: “We are incredibly proud to unveil the winners of this year’s Cllr Awards. During some of the most turbulent and challenging years in recent history, these councillors truly showcase the best of local government across Scotland.

And while awards and accolades aren’t the reason councillors put themselves forward and enter local politics, their incredible service is, so often, a thankless task. That is why these Cllr Awards are so important. One day a year to say thank you to our elected members for their remarkable efforts.

“I would like to extend a huge congratulations to all of tonight’s Cllr Awards winners. We thank you for your service and look forward to hearing about your continued accomplishments in the future.”

Heather Lamont, Director of Client Investments at CCLA, said: “For the last five years, CCLA and LGIU Scotland have thoroughly enjoyed raising the profile of the best of local government across Scotland and beyond. Councillors and council leaders have delivered in so many unimaginable ways for communities and we want to shout about it!

“The Cllr Awards are all about councillors. Their achievements are often hidden in plain sight and often go unrecognised. CCLA is honoured to stand alongside these outstanding councillors and thank them for their hard work and dedication to our communities.

“Why? Because at CCLA we believe healthy investment markets depend upon healthy communities – economically, socially and environmentally. In that we all have common purpose.”

Just one week left to nominate for Councillor Awards

Who are your leading councillors?

In one week, nominations close for the only national awards ceremony celebrating the work of councillors across Scotland.

Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) Scotland and CCLA are proud to host the 5th annual Cllr Awards honouring the achievements of individual councillors who go above and beyond for their communities.

This year’s categories showcase the vital work of councillors including the coveted Community Champion, Leader of the Year and Young Councillor of the Year awards.

Nominations can be made by anyone (members of the public, councillors and council officers) who would like to recognise a councillor who has made a real difference to their area over the last year.

The deadline for nominations is Wednesday 7 September with the shortlist due to be unveiled at the end of September.

The winners will be decided by a panel of judges made up of senior councillors and officers and leading stakeholders from across the sector. On Wednesday 12 October the winner will be revealed at the annual awards ceremony taking place at Marryat Hall (Caird Hall) with 2022 hosts Dundee City Council. It will be held as a hybrid event with virtual link ups to the live ceremony.

This year’s Awards are made possible thanks to the generous support of founding partners, CCLA.

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive of LGIU Scotland, said: “From how our towns look to the home care we receive and the funding of much valued community projects, the work of councillors is felt across all of our lives on a daily basis.

“Councillors and councils are key to keeping the machinery of everyday life going, ensuring the most vulnerable in the community are looked after and making sure the places where we live and work are thriving, safe and inclusive.

“Much of the work done by elected members is behind the scenes, which is why we created the Cllr Awards. So that every year we can take time to recognise this work and celebrate their achievements.

“The LGIU is proud to once again open nominations for the annual Cllr Awards to honour the commitment of our locally elected representatives. Our local democracy and our local democratic structures are stronger because of our councillors.

“We look forward to seeing a record number of nominations this year and getting to know the many inspiring stories behind them.”

Who are your leading councillors?

5th ANNUAL COUNCILLOR AWARDS – NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN NOW!

THE only national awards ceremony celebrating the work of councillors across Scotland has officially launched its call for nominations.

This year’s categories showcase the vital work of councillors including the coveted Community Champion, Leader of the Year and Young Councillor of the Year awards.

Nominations can be made by anyone (members of the public, councillors and council officers) who would like to recognise a councillor who has made a real difference to their area over the last year.

The deadline for nominations is Wednesday 7 September with the shortlist due to be unveiled at the end of September.

. It will be held as a hybrid event with virtual link ups to the live ceremony.

This year’s Awards are made possible thanks to the generous support of founding partners, CCLA.

“Much of the work done by elected members is behind the scenes, which is why we created the Cllr Awards. So that every year we can take time to recognise this work and celebrate their achievements.

“We look forward to seeing a record number of nominations this year and getting to know the many inspiring stories behind them.”

Time’s running out to nominate your councillor for national award

Nominations close at midnight for the 2021 LGIU Scotland & CCLA Cllr Awards

Nominations close at midnight for the only national awards ceremony celebrating the vital work of individual councillors across Scotland.

Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) Scotland and CCLA are proud to once again host the 4th annual Cllr Awards, honouring the achievements of councillors that so often go unrecognised.

This year’s award categories celebrate the essential and varied work of councillors and include the coveted Community Champion, Leader of the Year and New Councillor of the Year awards, alongside a new Resilience and Recovery category for 2021.

Nominations can be made by anyone who would like to recognise a councillor doing outstanding work for their community. They close at midnight on Friday 24 September with the shortlist unveiled at the end of October.

The winners will be decided by a panel of judges composed of senior councillors and officers as well as leading stakeholders from across the sector. They will be revealed at this year’s ceremony taking place on Wednesday, 24 November. Due to the ongoing Covid related restrictions, it will be held as a hybrid event with virtual link ups to a Glasgow venue.

This year’s awards are made possible thanks to the generous support of founding partners, CCLA.

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive of LGIU Scotland, said: “Local government supports all of us, each and every day. On every street, in every town, up and down the country, it is the vital work of councillors that keeps things moving.

“Now is the time for us to support our local heroes by nominating those councillors who have stepped up to the plate during extraordinary circumstances to deliver for their communities.

“We welcome contributions from any member of the public as well as other councillors, officers and leaders. We look forward to once again receiving the highest calibre of nominations and showcasing the essential work of councillors in November.”

Who is our best councillor?

Nominations now open for the 2021 LGIU Scotland & CCLA Councillor Awards

The only national awards ceremony celebrating the ‘vital’ work of individual councillors across Scotland opens its call for nominations.

Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) Scotland and CCLA are proud to officially launch the 4th annual Cllr Awards, honouring the achievements of councillors that so often go unrecognised.

Nominations can be made by anyone who would like to recognise a councillor doing outstanding work for their community. They are open until Friday, 24 September with the shortlist unveiled at the end of October.

This year’s awards are made possible thanks to the generous support of founding partners, CCLA.

“Now is the time for us to support our local heroes by nominating those councillors who have stepped up to the plate during extraordinary circumstances to deliver for their communities.

“As we officially open nominations for Cllr Awards 2021, we welcome contributions from any member of the public as well as other councillors, officers and leaders. We look forward to once again receiving the highest calibre of nominations and showcasing the essential work of councillors in November.”

Nominations now open for Councillor Awards

Who is the best councillor in your area?

Nominations now open for the 2021 LGIU Scotland & CCLA Cllr Awards

The only national awards ceremony celebrating the vital work of individual councillors across Scotland has opened its call for nominations.

The Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) Scotland and CCLA are proud to officially launch the 4th annual Cllr Awards, honouring the achievements of councillors that so often go unrecognised.

The winners will be decided by a panel of judges composed of senior councillors and officers as well as leading stakeholders from across the sector. They will be revealed at this year’s ceremony taking place on Wednesday, 24 November. Due to the ongoing Covid-related restrictions, it will be held as a hybrid event with virtual link ups to a Glasgow venue.

This year’s Awards are made possible thanks to the generous support of founding partners, CCLA.

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive of LGIU Scotland, said: “Local government supports all of us, each and every day. On every street, in every town, up and down the country, it is the vital work of councillors that keeps things moving.

“Now is the time for us to support our local heroes by nominating those councillors who have stepped up to the plate during extraordinary circumstances to deliver for their communities.