Build back local

To build back better, we must build back local.

Build Back Local campaign banner

The pandemic has left a lasting impact on not only the health and wellbeing of the nation but many of our local services, and the war in Ukraine has seen councils, once again, stepping up to provide support for those fleeing the war. Meanwhile councils have also been working hard locally to tackle the climate emergency and reach the target of becoming net-zero by 2050. All of this comes amid the backdrop of the national and local response to the cost-of-living pressures which are presenting an urgent, cross-cutting challenge to councils and our communities.

We can't tackle these challenges alone.

We need to strengthen and maintain a collaborative approach between national and local government and key partners in the private, public and voluntary sectors to ensure no one falls through the gaps, and those most in need are supported, but we must also look to the longer term to ensure we are more financially socially resilient, and ready for future challenges.

Devolving greater responsibility and spending power to local councils to enable them to maximise social and economic capital in their places will enable them to ensure that communities are more inclusive and resilient in the future.

With the right powers and resources councils can tackle our climate crisis; build much needed high quality affordable homes; boost skills, productivity, and get more people into employment; and support residents with cost of living pressures. 

To build back better, we must build back local.