Localism

The LGA's localism programme is supporting councils in their central role in reforming public services and lobbying for greater decentralisation and devolution to local government.

This includes working to ensure:

  • councils are at the centre, and seen to be at the centre, of public sector reform and delivering more effective services for local people
  • government policy continues in a localist direction and councils embrace new powers
  • councils are supported in developing new models of local public service delivery and commissioning, including community budgets
  • local democracy is recognised as the key enabler of more empowered communities and a thriving voluntary and community sector.

 

In this section

Community budgets

This is a live, collaborative learning resource. Whether you are just starting on the journey or already involved, we hope you will find it useful and also contribute to its development.

Localism Act

The Localism Act was introduced in November 2011. The aim of the act was to devolve more decision making powers from central government back into the hands of individuals, communities and councils. The act covers a wide range of issues related to local public services; this section outlines key information on the act for local government.

Working with communities and neighbourhoods

Local government has a democratic mandate to lead all of our communities, identify a diverse array of needs and providers and prioritise spending has never been more crucial – or more challenging. Find out how the Keep it REAL programme can help you in these decisions.

Reforming public services

The Open Public Services White Paper was launched by the Government in July 2011. Read our ‘On-the-day briefing' which summarises the White Paper themes and delivers our key messages on behalf of the sector.

 

E-bulletins

Knowledge Hub

The Localism Knowledge Hub Group is a forum for councils to discuss the localism agenda (you may need to register). Here you can learn more about the provisions of the Localism Bill, explore how to implement this new piece of legislation to benefit your local communities and share examples of localism in practice.

 

Last updated: 4 March 2013