7 Next steps
119. Even with the noblest of intentions, all
previous attempts to rebalance the relationship between central
and local government have had, at best, limited effect. With commitment
and goodwill, this time it can be different. We see this report
as the beginning, not the end, of the discussion. We believe that
the next steps are to continue the dialogue with central government
and to move, consensually, ever closer to a genuinely equal partnership
between central and local government. We believe such a partnership
would strengthen both the local and central arms of government.
120. A code for relations between central and
local government, enforced by statute, could be beneficial to
both tiers of government for several reasons. First, it could
help set out exactly where powers do, and should, lie, thereby
increasing transparency for the electors. Secondly, it could help
redress the overcentralisation of England. Thirdly, it could provide
an economic boost that the country sorely needs.
121. While the proposals in the draft code may
seem radical to some, local government in much of Europe has enjoyed
constitutional protection for decades. The devolution of power
to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland has been successful and
is an evolving process. England is the odd one out. There is
no apparent reason why local government in England is not capable
of using similar powers.
A CULTURAL SHIFT
122. Witnesses highlighted that even if a code for
relations between central and local government were enforced by
statute, much would need to be done to change negative perceptions
of local government within Whitehall. Charlie Adan, the Chief
Executive of Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, stated:
Clearly, successful implementation of the code would
require significant behavioural and attitude change across both
central and local government, and legal entrenchment of a code
would not be effective without that cultural shift.[96]
Many others, including Suffolk County Council[97],
Councillor Geoff Driver, Leader of Lancashire County Council[98],
the London Borough of Lambeth[99],
and the LGA[100] all
made similar comments regarding the need for a cultural shift
in favour of local government autonomy.
123. Local government itself will grow and become
more important as it gains independence. Being in a local party,
on a local council making real decisions in local communities,
will lead to a massive renaissance in local government and an
injection of energy that will reinvigorate local politics.
124. Another significant consequence of a statutory
code devolving power and finance would be that local councils
will, in turn, if they so choose, be able to devolve these powers
down to neighbourhoods, or to parish councils. What is currently
a democratic deficit would give way to a democratic resurgence.
125. We have repeated throughout this report that
we are not seeking to put forward a watertight answer regarding
the decentralisation of power in England, but rather we are opening
up for discussion some concepts which are used extensively elsewhere
and could be successfully applied in England.
FURTHER DIALOGUE
126. There are several ways in which we propose
continuing this dialogue. We have got to this point by careful
consultation and close working with local government, by the excellent
partnership that we have developed with the Local Government Association,
and by listening to expert witnesses. We would like to extend
this thoughtful process to include central government at political
and official level over the next year or so.
127. We intend to write to all party leaders
in the UK Parliament about the draft statutory code asking that
they consider it within their own policy-making processes. It
is perfectly conceivable to at least start with the ambition that
all parties could consider and possibly agree comparable wording
that indicated the next steps towards greater autonomy for local
government.
128. It might be helpful to many in local and
national government to see the approximate shape of any piece
of legislation that could give life to a statutory code. For this
reason, we will seek to turn the illustrative statutory code into
a draft Bill, as part of our ongoing work.
129. In addition, we are now reaching the midpoint
of the first ever fixed-term Parliament and many political parties
may well feel it is timely to review their policies or engage
in some form of midterm refresh. Once again we would urge all
party leaders to consider the long-term constitutional future
of local government when they come to refresh their policies,
and not to miss the opportunity to put on record their proposals
on this vital matter.
130. We will host a conference on this issue in
2013, to consider the next steps for the relationship between
central and local government. We invite the Government, Parliament,
and local government to attend and play an active part.
131. We hope that the mature and sensible way
in which we are engaging with local government and central government
and many other partners, witnesses and consultees on this issue
will be seen as a positive and exemplary way forward. We do not
pretend to have all the answers but we do hope that we have posed
the questions in a constructive and helpful way that will ultimately
result in progress towards a settled constitutional position for
English local government which will last for many decades into
the future.
96 Ev w61 Back
97
Ev w67 Back
98
Ev w80 Back
99
Ev w95 Back
100
Ev w104 Back
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