LG Challenge 2019 - challenge three

In Breckland Council’s modern HQ in Dereham, Executive Director of Strategy and Governance Maxine O’Mahony welcomed the contestants to their third challenge, hosted in the heart of rural Norfolk.


The challenge built on Breckland Training Services (BTS’s) successful Local Authority challenge model, meant both teams were tasked with total responsibility for managing the affairs of a fictional council (Longton). They had to unpick reams of information (briefings, newspapers and articles), forge partnerships with key stakeholders, and manage several meetings with a particularly demanding leader. Their phones and inboxes were filling up, meaning prioritisation was essential.

Key to contestants’ success, was grasping the issues facing the council. With a significant spending gap, a shortage of decent affordable housing, and a fire service on the verge of a major strike. However, opportunities also presented themselves, and the teams wasted no time in planning their first meetings with key stakeholders.

Despite the near-constant curveballs, distractions, and operational crises - not least the council’s rapidly approaching community music festival - both teams persevered and two plans for Longton’s long-term future were taking shape.

The challenge culminated in both teams presenting their visions to Longton council’s performance board. Ignite described the council’s journey to a future with “people, places and partners” at its centre. Their council would invest in much-needed infrastructure to attract business and spark economic growth, partner with local universities to build and retain talent, and partner with other councils to streamline services to support empowered and resilient communities.

Thrive focused on building partnerships with the university to increase resident retention, with a focus on STEM subjects. The team wanted to ensure Longton was a healthy place to live, focussing on the environment, economy and the wellbeing of residents, a digital transformation programme was proposed.

At the final award presentation, team Thrive took the trophy for their capable handling of partners and ability to build new relationships, whereas Matthew Snelling from Ignite was lauded for his strong leadership as his team’s CEO. Ignite were named the overall winners of the third LG challenge. Maxine O’Mahony congratulated both teams of their outstanding performances, encouraging them to continue to hone their political acumen, and to continue to take on the many opportunities local government had to offer them.