Devolution and public service reform

Overview

Devolution and public sector reform means putting districts at the heart of devolution and the transformation of public service delivery, delivering those services that matter to residents the most.

As the prospect of devolution across the country becomes ever more real, districts are playing a pivotal role in the evolving local government landscape.

Working with central government, our partners and our communities, districts will develop solutions in our priority areas that create a more innovative, sustainable, independent and effective public sector, enhancing national prosperity and improving the lives of each and every one of our citizens and communities.

District Councils have a proven track record in devising innovative solutions to transform public services- delivering more for less.

The 2015 report ‘Building better collaboration: Improving collaborative behaviours in local government’ published by the University of Birmingham’s Inlogov centre showcased some of the innovative, district-led work, that has made services work better for residents. The report highlighted the leading role district councils are taking to ensure devolution improves services and outcomes for people and places through better collaboration.

And with devolution deals being developed and agreed across the country, the district appetite for increased freedoms and devolved powers is clear. Districts are working hard with government, alongside their county and LEP partners to develop new models for devolved delivery that will boost growth and transform public service delivery.

The District Councils Network wants to ensure that districts remain key partners in devolution discussions, deals and delivery. In particular, there are a number of key principles the DCN wants to see as part of the development of a more devolved local government system, namely:

Local solutions- there should be no ‘one-size fits all’ approach to devolution models and governance arrangements- it should be for local areas to decide what best meets the need of their locality. Devolution models should reflect functional economic areas – which make sense to local areas.

Double Devolution/Subsidiarity- Devolved arrangements should be firmly rooted in the principle of subsidiarity so that the right decisions on delivery are made at the right level. Some functions, such as strategic transport and blue light services, benefit from ‘regional’ scale whereas functions such as planning, housing delivery and economic development work most effectively when delivered from within functional economic areas, usually clusters of districts.
Finance must follow function- local areas need increased financial freedoms and flexibilities to ensure the benefits of devolution and growth can be realised. This will enable them to become more locally self-sufficient and support the more innovative, creative and efficient use of public resources.

For more information, contact: DCN@local.gov.uk

DCN UPDATES

Council tax: ‘Our logo is on the bill but we’re not getting the funding’

Council tax: ‘Our logo is on the bill but we’re not getting the funding’ Funding for police and crime commissioners (PCCs) now takes up a greater proportion of many council tax bills than funding for the council issuing the...

Districts’ expertise must be embraced if Hunt’s growth plan is to be optimised

Districts’ expertise must be embraced if Hunt’s growth plan is to be optimised Jeremy Hunt’s Budget has the potential to empower local places to drive growth if the Government embraces the unique power of district councils – as the most...

‘New funding will save many leisure centres – for now’

The District Councils’ Network is pleased that the Government has listened to our call to support the crisis-hit leisure sector. As part of the Spring Budget, the Treasury has announced a one-year £63m fund will support leisure centres with pools,...

First anniversary of Homes for Ukraine: councils discuss their support for Ukrainians

The anniversary of the Homes for Ukraine scheme being launched has highlighted the work of councils to help support Ukrainians escaping war. English councils have strived to offer sanctuary to nearly 86,000 Ukrainians who have fled Putin’s invasion under the...

District councils will thrive with financial freedom

District councils will thrive with financial freedom There is a balance to be struck between financial prudence and securing future growth opportunities, writes Kelly Watson, Head of Local Government Relationships at CCLA, in response to a CCLA/DCN roundtable on district...