Local Government White Paper Strong and prosperous communities

1. Local Government White Paper�Strong and prosperous communities� Richard Sheard Deputy Regional Director Local Government

2. THREE VIEWS OF THE LGWP Blair � �We want a new relationship with local government based on a mature conversation about what is best for local people � we want them to be more confident and proactive, working with their citizens to create strong and prosperous communities� Curry � �A tapas bar menu� Paul Coen, LGA � �Local Government�s greatest opportunity for two generations. Are councils and their partners ready to take up the challenge�?

3. Strong and prosperous communities - changing relationships

4. Strong and prosperous communities � the context

5. The big drivers LAAs shaping places New Performance framework

6. LAA From the margins to the mainstream. Not an add on Critical to delivery of the new central/local relationship No longer about specific funding for specified targets 35 +18 targets covering everything local government delivers on it�s own or in partnership THE contract between Government and the PLACE

7. LAAs � Some Challenges Locally Getting heard Balance between national and local Moving away from the silos into cross cutting agenda Nationally Momentum Departmental buy in Speed v Quality

8. The New Performance Framework Strengthened citizen voice Call to action/petitions Duty to ensure participation Community management and ownership of assets Users shaping services and monitoring performance

9. And some more challenges How to secure greater user involvement? Finding the right measures to gauge improvement in the area. Citizen satisfaction measures that truly reflect their view on performance across the public sector. Capacity of the voluntary sector and others

10. Six Masterclass tips Seize the opportunity Influence along the chain (note the language!) Focus on the outcomes desired Use process to get there, not as an end in itself Build resilience � setbacks inevitable Challenge behaviours, including your own

11. Strong and prosperous communities - changing relationships

12. White Paper implications for�

13. South West Unitary / 2 Tier Proposals

14. Effective, accountable & responsive LG Stronger, more stable leadership 3 options � mayors, elected execs and indirectly elected leaders No referendum 4 year term Permissive whole council elections / single member wards Restructuring and improved two tier Power to pass Byelaws Councillors as democratic champions Championing citizen interest Driving service improvement Strengthened O&S Non-exec members as champions for local areas Involving under-represented groups as Councillors

15. New Performance Framework Better balance between national and local priorities Single set of national outcome indicators (1200 to 200) Local improvement targets (35 + DfES targets) LSP targets � no need to report Greater responsibility to LA�s and partners re service improvement Annual risk assessment Use of Resources judgement Direction of travel Risk based inspection Support and intervention for struggling LA�s

16. Ladder of intervention

17. Strong Cities and Strategic Regions Taking forward the debate on economic development � devolution of powers and resources Reform Passenger Transport Authorities Multi Area Agreements City development companies Further work in run up to CSR07

18. Responsive services & empowered communities Extending choice � childcare, choice based letting, provision of social care Giving people more say - BV duty to inform, consult, involve and devolve Listening to local concerns Petitions Community Calls for Action Budget delegations Community ownership and management of assets, TMO�s, Power of well-being for Quality Local Councils

19. LG � Strategic Leader and Place shaper Duty to develop LAA�s in partnership A leading role on LSP � agree chair Portfolio holders on thematic partnerships Duty on partners to co-operate in agreeing LAA targets and to have regard in meeting them Area based funding through LAA�s Removal of funding blocks but themes retained Streamlined procedures for involving communities in SCSs, LAAs and LDFs Integrating spatial strategic planning Strategic commissioning & incentives to secure outcomes

20. LAA�s and MAA�s LAA � central delivery contract between CG and LG and partners Voluntary cross boundary LAA�s � mainly economic development New 4th theme of Economic Development and Environment 4 themes but single pot funding by 2009 Funding pooled in return for outcomes and targets set across MAA Funding provided to Single Accountable Body Links between LAA�s, MAA and LSP�s

21. Efficiency Ambitious efficiency gains CSR 07 More collaboration � remove boundaries Business Process Improvement Greater contestability / fair and open competition Stable finance Coordinate capacity support to LG and partners

22. Community Cohesion Identify places where cohesion is a priority Promote cohesion through SCS and LSP Share best practice Support forums on extremism

23. Framework for agreeing priorities

24. Government More space for local govt to innovate and respond to needs Less ring-fencing of funding Stronger focus on top priorities

25. Messages for Economic Partnerships Newly defined role Economic portfolio holders should play a leading role in the partnership Role for the voluntary sector Possible �scrutiny� of the partnership by frontline members and Overview and Scrutiny Committees? Not the same as a new roleNot the same as a new role

26. Implications for GOSW More of the same. Anticipated the changes Unitary bids � role as critical friend and helping judge proposals Improved 2 tier pathfinders � evaluation? NDTCR � stimulating consultation responses; supporting and influencing policy development; MAAs Place � tailoring relationships LAA development and delivery � any tensions? Performance framework � role on intervention ladder; closer relationship with AC, SHA and others

27. Local Strategic Partnerships Over-arching partnership Key role for Council - LAA and opp to agree LSP Chair Executive members on themed partnerships Statutory Health and Well-being partnership O&S � scrutiny of LSP Key role for LSP in delivering better public service outcomes through the SCS and LAA Duty to cooperate - commitment & engagement Opportunity to innovate & respond to local needs with new ways of working & commissioning Involving and communicating with citizens -cohesion

28. LSP - Possible challenges Key part of performance framework Engaging communities & local councils Communications Governance Representation Data sharing & analysis Potential use of MAA�s � wider perspective

29. Inspection Agencies Reduced inspection risk based LDF statement of community involvement � need for inspection to be repealed Audit Commission as gatekeeper for proposed inspection Amalgamation / merger Relationship to GO role Greater need to share information

30. Executive members Fewer Executive members across the country � potentially fewer in SW arising from reorganisation Increased accountability Power vested in Leader / Mayor Enhanced role on themed partnerships and LSP More strategic focus 4 year term / more stability

31. Front-line councillors Key role representing community Increased role in scrutinising external agencies Community calls for action � louder voice More visible locally � especially if moving to single member wards and whole elections Possible area decisions via local neighbourhood arrangements Increased community contact � responding to petitions

32. Partners Duty to cooperate on agreeing targets and achieving outcomes Increased accountability Impact on budget allocation and commitment? Access to pooled funding streams Increased joint commissioning Greater opportunity to influence

33. Citizens More involvement through consultation, communications � use of ICT Opportunity to run things and get involved in own area eg tenants forum, running library Neighbourhood based participatory budgeting Minority groups more involved Greater �voice� � petition, Call for Action More choice More coordinated point of contact for services (Unitary / imp two tier) More informed Raised awareness of councils?

34. Citizen Challenges Getting people interested! Information overload Time and competing commitments Engaging hard to reach groups Skill levels

35. Voluntary / 3rd Sector Enhanced role / emphasis on role Louder voice Opportunity to manage facilities and services Increased expectations to be involved Community assets

36. Challenges for Vol Sector Capacity to respond Communications Being representative Skills Communications Negotiation Influencing Management

37. Local Area Agreements More area based funding streams in the LAA pot Key delivery contract between central and local govt Focus of Performance Framework Doing away with blocks but keeping themes � pooled pot Key link to Sustainable Community Strategy Commitment to achieve outcomes from partners to the LSP / LAA

38. LAA issues LAA transition for all in 08-09 or pilot for round 1�s? Timescale for change � Mar 07 Round 3 LAA�s agreed for 07-08 July 07 � new outcomes and partial indicator set Autumn 07 � CSR07 funding streams and Royal Assent for LG Bill Mar 08 � new LAA�s and indicator set Mar 09 � rest of performance framework What is Govt role re MAA�s if these are voluntary?

39. Council Staff � Senior Mgt Potentially fewer senior management roles More emphasis on leadership Increased scrutiny? Skills required: relationship building skilled commissioning Facilitation Negotiation Influencing skills Change management

40. Council Staff New / developed skills required Commissioning BPI Partnerships Facilitation Communication Retraining and skill transfer Cross authority working Customer and citizen focus Potential change in work locations Career / development opportunities Increased outsourcing? Staff either � commissioning / customer access / community focus / coordinating Increased work from contact centres / neighbourhoods

41. Services Joint commissioning by public sector Local delivery / joint contact points Shared services Wider spread of providers including voluntary sector Increased focus on �contestability�? Readying the market place / ensuring competition Redesign � Business process improvement More focussed on individual needs Responsive to neighbourhood and citizen needs / views (individual packages, child care choice,)

42. Local Councils Opportunity to take more responsibility � asset mgt and services Create new Parish Councils Raise precept to meet local need (as before) Change approach � from passive to proactive Stimulate work with VCS Increase community links and representation Increased influence Local leadership in civil renewal and community issues e.g. environment, community safety, young people, local services Where new unitaries are set up � fewer relationships with other tiers of govt Closer relationships with front-line councillors? New names! Cohesion � mediation role Increase quality of councillors � Use the power of well-being (for Quality Councils)

43. Local Council Challenges Are local councils representative? Are they in shape to deliver services locally? Are they flexible enough to work in clusters? Do they have the mandate of the electorate? Are they being innovative? Are they fit for purpose? Developing skills to: manage assets, negotiate charters, involve public, mediate, influence front line councillor, promote local service choice, support CCfA

44. District Councils Reconfiguration of service Stronger requirement to work in partnership � Have regard to LAA Increased accountability for delivery Shared and outsourced services Cross boundary working on planning and housing Choice based lettings schemes by 2010 No BVPP or BV reviews By-Law enforcement and fixed penalties Potential whole council elections / single ward member Reorganisation / organisation design Managing transfer of staff Asset management Disposal Redesign Handover to communities etc

45. County Councils Enhanced leadership role generally and re LSP Relationship managing and rebuilding 2007-2009 upheaval / redefining organisation More communication, consultation, involvement Strategic focus No BVPP or BV reviews By-Laws and fixed penalties Leadership models Strengthened Executive / focus Challenge re local v strategic approach Workforce planning Reorganisation / organisation design Managing transfer of staff Asset management Disposal Redesign Handover to communities etc

46. Existing Unitary Councils VFM � effective shared services, BPR, procurement, partnerships Democracy new models, new election periods, changes to wards/no. of councillors? front line councillor role, expanded O&S, potential devolved budgets, support and training for coucillors, support to develop local councils? Responsiveness Leadership LSP, CCfA, petitions, member support, responding to new � empowering citizens, devolved assets, devolved services, local charters, local access to services, engaged voluntary orgs, information / communications increased, citizen centred service Performance mgt of Partnerships, LSP, MAA�s, LAA, Contracts, service standards, local Charters, local target setting and monitoring Soft Skills Developing others, communications, consultation, delegation and performance mgt, leadership / negotiating / influencing, contract mgt, BPR, partnership working, relationship mgt