Briefings and responses

As the UK exits the European Union (EU), national and local government should consider how communities in England can take greater control over the public service and investment decisions that affect their lives.

Research commissioned by the LGA reveals that the skills gap is worsening. By 2024 there will be more than four million too few high-skilled people to take up available jobs, two million too many with intermediate skills and more than six million too many low-skilled.

This briefing summarises the main announcements in the industrial strategy of relevance to local government and sets out the Local Government Association’s response.

LGA briefing on the House of Commons debate on devolution and district councils, Wednesday 15 November 2017

Non-metropolitan areas account for a significant proportion (56 per cent) of England’s economic output.

Devolution within England is the most effective way to create jobs, build homes, strengthen healthy communities and protect the vulnerable.

The Cities and Local Government Devolution Bill is a positive step as it stands to give areas the range of powers they need.

The LGA is calling for a convention to debate and agree a constitutional settlement for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Devolution to local areas will require enhanced arrangements for democratic engagement and oversight.

The adoption of elected mayors has been put forward as a condition of substantial devolution, but there is no evidence that good governance can be delivered through this model alone.