The Ultimate Local Government Powerlist

THE ULTIMATE LOCAL GOVERNMENT POWERLIST

Supported by NICK GOLDING Editor, LGC

After years in which hopes of local government empowerment had stalled, at last it seems we are on the cusp of real devolution. THE JUDGES This has resulted in two leading figures from councils occupying the pinnacle of our list of movers and shakers across the sector. Communities secretary Eric Pickles held the top slot the last Jessica Crowe, executive director, Centre time this list was compiled in 2011. This time – to the relief of for Public Scrutiny many – he is not considered such a significant influence on the Catherine Evans, manager, District future of local government. Councils Network Local government may hold the top slot in the LGC100 but Nick Golding, editor, LGC there are still disappointingly few council chief executives and Stephen Hughes, former chief executive, leaders in the upper echelons of our list. Some have used words such as “froth” or Birmingham City Council “hype” in relation to the current drive for devolution and there is much uncertainty as Katherine Kerswell, former director we really are seeing the end of a top-down power structure across England. A real test general for civil service reform, Cabinet for whether devolution really is happening will be how many of the top slots will be Office occupied by people from councils when we next produce the LGC100. Andy Mahon, partner, government and Our power list looks ahead to who our panel of judges believe will exercise most infrastructure, BDO influence in 2015. Our judges were instructed to consider who will have the greatest Mary Ney, former chief executive, influence, rather than who they would like to see holding power. Although there are Greenwich RBC four women in the top 10, they are hugely underrepresented overall; there are few John O’Brien, chief executive, London people from ethnic minorities in our list. Councils With a general election due in May, this list is particularly difficult to compile. We do Joe Simpson, director, Leadership Centre not know who will wield power in Westminster. This list is purely subjective. This is the Martin Tucker, joint managing partner, mere opinion of one group of people and you may well disagree. Some may consider GatenbySanderson the position of Solace’s president Mark Rogers to be too lowly; for entirely different reasons Tower Hamlets LBC’s elective mayor Lutfur Rahman was shunned by the THE EXTRA PUSH judges but may well be a significant figure in 2015; and there may be other people we have missed off. YOU NEED We hope this list will spur debate about where power does, and indeed should, lie.

The BDO local government team is a trusted partner to local authorities across the country. A real test for whether devolution really is We help to ensure delivery of high quality services to residents in a viable and sustainable happening will be how many of the top slots way. We provide truly innovative, hands-on support in complex areas such as outcome will be occupied by people from councils when based commissioning, demand management, organisation redesign, alongside financial we next produce the LGC100 and non-financial assurance. We have a compelling story to tell around our unique approach to income generation and commercialisation. Our clients tell us they like working with us due to our fresh and challenging perspective, a genuine understanding and empathy with the issues facing local authorities and our approach to working hand in hand with council teams to build skills and capacity. We care passionately about the local government sector and it shows. THE JUDGING PROCESS

The LGC100 identifies the most influential they thought would exert the most influence strength of their leadership, the breadth and For further information please contact: people whose work will shape local over the sector in the next 12 months. Everyone depth of their influence, and the extent to government in 2015. Our list includes officers, was eligible for inclusion, with the exception of which there was evidence the individual’s ANDY MAHON 0133 290 6150 | [email protected] members, national politicians, civil servants the prime minister, chancellor, leader of the work was leading to change elsewhere. Judges LISA CLAMPIN 01473 320716 | [email protected] and thinkers. Opposition and our judges. were asked to avoid participating in To compile the final list, which is supported Once the nominations from readers had been discussions about candidates with whom they © November 2014 BDO LLP. All rights reserved. by BDO and GatenbySanderson, LGC appointed gathered, LGC invited our panel to select the had a personal connection. www.bdo.co.uk a panel of judges with vast experience across final 100 most influential people at a judging The top 50 were selected through a lively the sector. LGC readers were asked to nominate session at LGC’s offices in London. debate; the bottom 50 through rating the the people in and around local government who The judges assessed the candidates on the remaining candidates’ influence out of 10.

LGCplus.com November 2014 Local Government Chronicle 3 NICK GOLDING Editor, LGC

LGCplus.com November 2014 Local Government Chronicle 3 3 4 SIMON LOUISE CASEY STEVENS Director general for Chief executive, troubled families, NHS England Department for Communities & The integration of council Local Government and NHS services provides perhaps the greatest With local government opportunity for both rooting sceptical of most central out inefficiency across the initiatives, it is testament to public sector and improving Louise Casey’s dedication, skill support for some of the most increasingly older and character that her work on As Ms Casey said: “It’s local vulnerable people. population in appropriate troubled families is generally authorities’ success in the The majority of our panel surroundings. Mr Stevens well regarded and influential. existing programme that has took the view that ministers faces a gargantuan task in The progressive nature of her made this expansion possible may come and go, not least moving care – and NHS programme, which has and I think it’s pretty with an election in the offing, power – out of hospitals but withstood the cuts and indeed remarkable that double the and it is the chief executive of he must achieve this for the prospered, marks out Ms funding has been secured at NHS England who will be service to be financially Casey as one of the most the moment.” most influential in taking the sustainable. significant Whitehall-based She has also been tasked by decisions at a national level, Mr Stevens has signalled a influencers in the LGC100. communities secretary Eric which will determine clear break from the top- In a career that has seen her Pickles with inspecting and whether integration moves down culture of central “grip” tackle some of society’s most reporting on Rotherham MBC from being a buzzword to a that characterised the tenure emotive and complex in the wake of the town’s child revolution. of his predecessor Sir David problems including sexual exploitation scandal, in the Treasury sees the city win a Under the terms of the executive Sean Harriss are In his five-year forward Nicholson. The plan states homelessness, anti-social which some 1,400 cases of 1= series of devolved powers over deal, Manchester’s also prominent in the view for the NHS, published that there is “no ‘right’ behaviour and crime, Louise abuse were uncovered. Ms transport, planning, housing, combined authority will get LGC100. However, our judges last month, Simon Stevens answer” as to how the NHS is Casey became director general Casey will review governance, SIR RICHARD policing and skills in return for the first metro-wide directly considered that it is the pledged to break down organised, and “the default for troubled families at the service delivery to children and LEESE and it adopting an elected mayor. elected mayor outside longstanding partnership barriers between health and assumption should be that Department for Communities young people, taxi licensing SIR HOWARD Manchester’s deal is London. It will also receive that has run Manchester City social care. The document changes in local & Local Government in 2011. and Rotherham’s capacity to already setting the tone of the powers related to business, Council for so long that will also heralds a change in the organisational configurations The programme has worked address the issues it faces. With BERNSTEIN devolution debate elsewhere. growth, welfare and skills. be crucial in making a health service’s power should arise only from local with 110,000 troubled families other councils facing similar Council leader and Chancellor George Osborne Under the new arrangement, success of devolution. balance, which is currently work”. so far and, in August 2014, was problems, Ms Casey’s likely chief executive, said he was keen to speak to the 10 Greater Manchester Sir Howard Bernstein has skewed in favour of hospitals The quality of local expanded, aiming to help no-nonsense solutions could Manchester City other cities “ready to follow council leaders each gain been chief executive of the too small to provide the best relationships could be key in 400,000 more, with additional set the scene on building Council Manchester’s lead” and other places on its cabinet and council for 15 years, arguing specialist care but also too the Stevens era, providing an emphases on domestic capacity to improve child pace-setters, such as West they can overrule the mayor that the city should be given remote to provide cost- opportunity for councils to violence, debt and children at protection and community Recent governments have Yorkshire, are clamouring to if more than seven of them the autonomy of comparable effective care for an be the agents of NHS change. risk of being taken into care. cohesion nationwide. talked extensively about bring about similar deals. object to a proposal. European cities such as English devolution without Meanwhile, areas which have All eyes will be on the Munich or Barcelona. He has delivering and it seemed as if hitherto punched below their councils as they must find a also been a vocal supporter of Treasury, rather than the be the comprehensive the culture of centralism weight – noticeably balance between acting in the economic regeneration of 5 Department for Communities spending review due next year. would never be broken. Birmingham, Manchester’s the interests of their local the north to rebalance the & Local Government, to be the Ms White has been involved However, two men have been longstanding rival for the populations and supporting national economy, throwing SHARON key determinant of councils’ in the development of pivotal figures for more than a accolade of England’s second the development of the wider his weight behind improved WHITE future fate. community budgets, under decade in a movement to city – are beginning to strike city. Power wrangles and infrastructure including HS2. Second permanent With the chancellor barred which an area’s public services transform Manchester’s the deals with other councils contrasting viewpoints are Sir Richard has been the secretary to the from inclusion in the LGC100 pool budgets and co-ordinate economy and to win it that could see them set off inevitable among councils of council’s leader since 1996 Treasury and the political uncertainty their work to reduce overlap, political power, which is now along a similar path. Even different political colours so and is vice-chairman of both brought about by the general duplication and waste. A spectacularly bearing fruit. counties and districts, skill and patience will be the Association of Greater Sharon White has taken election making it harder to number of pilots have been While Manchester’s dramatically different to required to make the system Manchester Authorities and charge of public spending at judge politician’s power, the established. Several position as an economic Manchester, are asking why a success. of the Greater Manchester the Treasury at a time local judges believed Ms White organisations have called for power has long been on the they should be denied the LGC’s judges discussed at combined authority. The government faces cuts that would exert significant more development of the rise, their work has recently devolution granted to it. length who were the biggest judges said that Sir Richard threaten its form and be looking to the Treasury to influence from behind the community budget model in delivered a remarkable Quite simply, Manchester has figures in Greater “led by example in function. With budgets due to do anything possible to help scenes. Her role could be their submissions to the 2014 political result. The pioneering become the yardstick by Manchester’s success. Wigan developing the case for contract until at least 2020, them manage their transition particularly crucial in the event autumn statement and the deal agreed by Greater which devolution will now be MBC leader Lord Peter Smith greater devolution to local whichever party is in to a leaner future. It is notable of a hung parliament, as seems government may yet reveal Manchester’s 10 councils with measured. (Lab) and Bolton MBC chief government”. government, all councils will the judges considered the possible. Top of her agenda will more plans in this area.

4 Local Government Chronicle November 2014 LGCplus.com LGCplus.com November 2014 Local Government Chronicle 5 3 4 SIMON LOUISE CASEY STEVENS Director general for Chief executive, troubled families, NHS England Department for Communities & The integration of council Local Government and NHS services provides perhaps the greatest With local government opportunity for both rooting sceptical of most central out inefficiency across the initiatives, it is testament to public sector and improving Louise Casey’s dedication, skill support for some of the most increasingly older and character that her work on As Ms Casey said: “It’s local vulnerable people. population in appropriate troubled families is generally authorities’ success in the The majority of our panel surroundings. Mr Stevens well regarded and influential. existing programme that has took the view that ministers faces a gargantuan task in The progressive nature of her made this expansion possible may come and go, not least moving care – and NHS programme, which has and I think it’s pretty with an election in the offing, power – out of hospitals but withstood the cuts and indeed remarkable that double the and it is the chief executive of he must achieve this for the prospered, marks out Ms funding has been secured at NHS England who will be service to be financially Casey as one of the most the moment.” most influential in taking the sustainable. significant Whitehall-based She has also been tasked by decisions at a national level, Mr Stevens has signalled a influencers in the LGC100. communities secretary Eric which will determine clear break from the top- In a career that has seen her Pickles with inspecting and whether integration moves down culture of central “grip” tackle some of society’s most reporting on Rotherham MBC from being a buzzword to a that characterised the tenure emotive and complex in the wake of the town’s child revolution. of his predecessor Sir David problems including sexual exploitation scandal, in the Treasury sees the city win a Under the terms of the executive Sean Harriss are In his five-year forward Nicholson. The plan states homelessness, anti-social which some 1,400 cases of 1= series of devolved powers over deal, Manchester’s also prominent in the view for the NHS, published that there is “no ‘right’ behaviour and crime, Louise abuse were uncovered. Ms transport, planning, housing, combined authority will get LGC100. However, our judges last month, Simon Stevens answer” as to how the NHS is Casey became director general Casey will review governance, SIR RICHARD policing and skills in return for the first metro-wide directly considered that it is the pledged to break down organised, and “the default for troubled families at the service delivery to children and LEESE and it adopting an elected mayor. elected mayor outside longstanding partnership barriers between health and assumption should be that Department for Communities young people, taxi licensing SIR HOWARD Manchester’s deal is London. It will also receive that has run Manchester City social care. The document changes in local & Local Government in 2011. and Rotherham’s capacity to already setting the tone of the powers related to business, Council for so long that will also heralds a change in the organisational configurations The programme has worked address the issues it faces. With BERNSTEIN devolution debate elsewhere. growth, welfare and skills. be crucial in making a health service’s power should arise only from local with 110,000 troubled families other councils facing similar Council leader and Chancellor George Osborne Under the new arrangement, success of devolution. balance, which is currently work”. so far and, in August 2014, was problems, Ms Casey’s likely chief executive, said he was keen to speak to the 10 Greater Manchester Sir Howard Bernstein has skewed in favour of hospitals The quality of local expanded, aiming to help no-nonsense solutions could Manchester City other cities “ready to follow council leaders each gain been chief executive of the too small to provide the best relationships could be key in 400,000 more, with additional set the scene on building Council Manchester’s lead” and other places on its cabinet and council for 15 years, arguing specialist care but also too the Stevens era, providing an emphases on domestic capacity to improve child pace-setters, such as West they can overrule the mayor that the city should be given remote to provide cost- opportunity for councils to violence, debt and children at protection and community Recent governments have Yorkshire, are clamouring to if more than seven of them the autonomy of comparable effective care for an be the agents of NHS change. risk of being taken into care. cohesion nationwide. talked extensively about bring about similar deals. object to a proposal. European cities such as English devolution without Meanwhile, areas which have All eyes will be on the Munich or Barcelona. He has delivering and it seemed as if hitherto punched below their councils as they must find a also been a vocal supporter of Treasury, rather than the be the comprehensive the culture of centralism weight – noticeably balance between acting in the economic regeneration of 5 Department for Communities spending review due next year. would never be broken. Birmingham, Manchester’s the interests of their local the north to rebalance the & Local Government, to be the Ms White has been involved However, two men have been longstanding rival for the populations and supporting national economy, throwing SHARON key determinant of councils’ in the development of pivotal figures for more than a accolade of England’s second the development of the wider his weight behind improved WHITE future fate. community budgets, under decade in a movement to city – are beginning to strike city. Power wrangles and infrastructure including HS2. Second permanent With the chancellor barred which an area’s public services transform Manchester’s the deals with other councils contrasting viewpoints are Sir Richard has been the secretary to the from inclusion in the LGC100 pool budgets and co-ordinate economy and to win it that could see them set off inevitable among councils of council’s leader since 1996 Treasury and the political uncertainty their work to reduce overlap, political power, which is now along a similar path. Even different political colours so and is vice-chairman of both brought about by the general duplication and waste. A spectacularly bearing fruit. counties and districts, skill and patience will be the Association of Greater Sharon White has taken election making it harder to number of pilots have been While Manchester’s dramatically different to required to make the system Manchester Authorities and charge of public spending at judge politician’s power, the established. Several position as an economic Manchester, are asking why a success. of the Greater Manchester the Treasury at a time local judges believed Ms White organisations have called for power has long been on the they should be denied the LGC’s judges discussed at combined authority. The government faces cuts that would exert significant more development of the rise, their work has recently devolution granted to it. length who were the biggest judges said that Sir Richard threaten its form and be looking to the Treasury to influence from behind the community budget model in delivered a remarkable Quite simply, Manchester has figures in Greater “led by example in function. With budgets due to do anything possible to help scenes. Her role could be their submissions to the 2014 political result. The pioneering become the yardstick by Manchester’s success. Wigan developing the case for contract until at least 2020, them manage their transition particularly crucial in the event autumn statement and the deal agreed by Greater which devolution will now be MBC leader Lord Peter Smith greater devolution to local whichever party is in to a leaner future. It is notable of a hung parliament, as seems government may yet reveal Manchester’s 10 councils with measured. (Lab) and Bolton MBC chief government”. government, all councils will the judges considered the possible. Top of her agenda will more plans in this area.

4 Local Government Chronicle November 2014 LGCplus.com LGCplus.com November 2014 Local Government Chronicle 5 8 9 CAROLYN JULES PIPE DOWNS Mayor, Hackney LBC Chief executive, LGA Greater Manchester’s deal shows the all-powerful Carolyn Downs holds a Treasury’s enthusiasm for difficult role, putting it mildly. the mayoral model. It is her job to ensure the LGA There can be no greater provides effective national example of its merits than leadership for the sector, Hackney LBC’s Labour albeit in a climate in which mayor Jules Pipe, whose her organisation has been tenure has seen the London slimmed down and two of borough rise from the pits of her most senior staff have left. a service breakdown which She must use her long- humiliated local standing experience, from government everywhere within both local and into a gleaming example of national government, to strong governance, well-run prove the association can services and economic still pack a bigger punch case for the role of growth. greater local government than the myriad of smaller empowered local government Mr Pipe was first elected autonomy. This year, for bodies that are in service redesign and plans to the role in 2002 and his instance, he has written on unencumbered by the for a municipal bonds agency love for the job shows no behalf of all London restrictions faced by the LGA, are progressing well. sign of ending. However, boroughs to NHS England which must span the Ms Downs has been a prosperity has brought with suggesting a greater role for political divide and represent key figure in discussions it some problems and he councils in the all types of council. about the better care fund. must now grapple with how commissioning of primary Since she took over the With dissatisfaction rising to continue to boost the care, adding his voice to the reins of the association in against central government’s borough’s growth while call for closer integration of November 2011, Ms Downs expectations that it will lead supporting those unsettled health and social care has had had a number of to instant reductions in or disenfranchised by rising services. stock was emphasised in together with communities successes. Peer review has hospital admissions, and house prices and an influx of He has overseen the work 6 September when he won a 7 secretary Eric Pickles, the largely successfully stepped most councils feeling too wealth. done by the organisation on seat on Labour’s ruling Service Transformation into the breach left by the end many concessions have been Mr Pipe also exerts a the collective investment JIM MCMAHON national executive DANNY Challenge Panel, which was of the inspection culture. The made to the acute sector, her wider influence in his role as vehicle for London local Leader, Oldham MBC committee, giving him a ALEXANDER tasked with examining which Rewiring Public Services work will be cut out on this chair of London Councils government pension Jim McMahon (Lab) is the significant role in his party’s Chief secretary to the policy changes local campaign has made a strong in 2015 too. and has campaigned for scheme funds. epitome of a rising star. The wider governance. Treasury authorities must implement 34-year-old leader of the He is lobbying Ed to increase the pace and strongly performing Miliband to ensure that if As controller of the scale of transformation. It Ms Killian has pushed the chair of the Society of Local Oldham MBC became Labour wins power in 2015, government’s purse strings, has issue its report this week. 10 council forward from the Authority Chief Executives leader of the LGA’s Labour further spending cuts are Danny Alexander has perhaps In the past year Mr scandal of its former leader and Senior Managers, and group in June, having not targeted at local the greatest influence on local Alexander has called for JOANNA Lord Hanningfield’s expenses alongside president Mark pledged to bring about an authorities. government finance aside council tax reform. He has also KILLIAN and is one of the most Rogers has seen the society independent review of the He has led Oldham since from the chancellor. suggested central government Chief executive, respected commentators on adopt a new structure. association, to ensure it is 2011, during which time it Our judges, who were should tackle the national Essex CC many aspects of local Under this Solace will have a “fit for purpose, outward has become an accredited tasked with examining who housing shortage head-on by government’s work. panel of experts leading its and engaging”. co-operative council, would exert the greatest becoming a “commissioner Joanna Killian has been chief In a typically bold move, response to key issues, Cllr McMahon is widely adopting a local living wage influence over local for housing” should local executive of Essex CC for the council in September set potentially making it a perceived to have an attack for all its employees and has government in 2015, were in government, housing eight years, a period in out five recommendations power rival to the LGA and dog role, taking the fight adopted a procurement something of a quandary, associations and the private which the council has to the government for giving a far stronger voice to against further local framework in which social however. Mr Alexander’s sector fail to build enough cemented its reputation as improving health and chief executives and senior government cuts directly to value outcomes are Liberal Democrats are affordable accommodation to one of the country’s boldest social care integration, managers. the government while the demanded from all hardly riding high in the meet demand. and most innovative local calling for the establishment The judges described Ms association’s chairman David contracts. Again, this has polls and it is no means Whether Mr Alexander is a authorities. of elected health and social Killian as “a significant force Sparks (Lab) adopts a more given Cllr McMahon certain he will retain his job one parliamentary term Prior to joining Essex, she care commissioners. in the local government consensual tone around national presence, and he and oversee the wonder or continues to hold was the director of local As well as being a chief community over many which all the parties can now chairs the Co-operative comprehensive spending an influential role, he has had government performance and executive for one of the years” and someone who more readily unite. Councils Innovation review expected next year. a significant impact on improvement with the Audit largest local authorities in “not only develops ideas but Cllr McMahon’s rising Network. Mr Alexander launched, councils. Commission. England, Ms Killian is the actually delivers them”.

6 Local Government Chronicle November 2014 LGCplus.com LGCplus.com November 2014 Local Government Chronicle 7 8 9 CAROLYN JULES PIPE DOWNS Mayor, Hackney LBC Chief executive, LGA Greater Manchester’s deal shows the all-powerful Carolyn Downs holds a Treasury’s enthusiasm for difficult role, putting it mildly. the mayoral model. It is her job to ensure the LGA There can be no greater provides effective national example of its merits than leadership for the sector, Hackney LBC’s Labour albeit in a climate in which mayor Jules Pipe, whose her organisation has been tenure has seen the London slimmed down and two of borough rise from the pits of her most senior staff have left. a service breakdown which She must use her long- humiliated local standing experience, from government everywhere within both local and into a gleaming example of national government, to strong governance, well-run prove the association can services and economic still pack a bigger punch case for the role of growth. greater local government than the myriad of smaller empowered local government Mr Pipe was first elected autonomy. This year, for bodies that are in service redesign and plans to the role in 2002 and his instance, he has written on unencumbered by the for a municipal bonds agency love for the job shows no behalf of all London restrictions faced by the LGA, are progressing well. sign of ending. However, boroughs to NHS England which must span the Ms Downs has been a prosperity has brought with suggesting a greater role for political divide and represent key figure in discussions it some problems and he councils in the all types of council. about the better care fund. must now grapple with how commissioning of primary Since she took over the With dissatisfaction rising to continue to boost the care, adding his voice to the reins of the association in against central government’s borough’s growth while call for closer integration of November 2011, Ms Downs expectations that it will lead supporting those unsettled health and social care has had had a number of to instant reductions in or disenfranchised by rising services. stock was emphasised in together with communities successes. Peer review has hospital admissions, and house prices and an influx of He has overseen the work 6 September when he won a 7 secretary Eric Pickles, the largely successfully stepped most councils feeling too wealth. done by the organisation on seat on Labour’s ruling Service Transformation into the breach left by the end many concessions have been Mr Pipe also exerts a the collective investment JIM MCMAHON national executive DANNY Challenge Panel, which was of the inspection culture. The made to the acute sector, her wider influence in his role as vehicle for London local Leader, Oldham MBC committee, giving him a ALEXANDER tasked with examining which Rewiring Public Services work will be cut out on this chair of London Councils government pension Jim McMahon (Lab) is the significant role in his party’s Chief secretary to the policy changes local campaign has made a strong in 2015 too. and has campaigned for scheme funds. epitome of a rising star. The wider governance. Treasury authorities must implement 34-year-old leader of the He is lobbying Ed to increase the pace and strongly performing Miliband to ensure that if As controller of the scale of transformation. It Ms Killian has pushed the chair of the Society of Local Oldham MBC became Labour wins power in 2015, government’s purse strings, has issue its report this week. 10 council forward from the Authority Chief Executives leader of the LGA’s Labour further spending cuts are Danny Alexander has perhaps In the past year Mr scandal of its former leader and Senior Managers, and group in June, having not targeted at local the greatest influence on local Alexander has called for JOANNA Lord Hanningfield’s expenses alongside president Mark pledged to bring about an authorities. government finance aside council tax reform. He has also KILLIAN and is one of the most Rogers has seen the society independent review of the He has led Oldham since from the chancellor. suggested central government Chief executive, respected commentators on adopt a new structure. association, to ensure it is 2011, during which time it Our judges, who were should tackle the national Essex CC many aspects of local Under this Solace will have a “fit for purpose, outward has become an accredited tasked with examining who housing shortage head-on by government’s work. panel of experts leading its and engaging”. co-operative council, would exert the greatest becoming a “commissioner Joanna Killian has been chief In a typically bold move, response to key issues, Cllr McMahon is widely adopting a local living wage influence over local for housing” should local executive of Essex CC for the council in September set potentially making it a perceived to have an attack for all its employees and has government in 2015, were in government, housing eight years, a period in out five recommendations power rival to the LGA and dog role, taking the fight adopted a procurement something of a quandary, associations and the private which the council has to the government for giving a far stronger voice to against further local framework in which social however. Mr Alexander’s sector fail to build enough cemented its reputation as improving health and chief executives and senior government cuts directly to value outcomes are Liberal Democrats are affordable accommodation to one of the country’s boldest social care integration, managers. the government while the demanded from all hardly riding high in the meet demand. and most innovative local calling for the establishment The judges described Ms association’s chairman David contracts. Again, this has polls and it is no means Whether Mr Alexander is a authorities. of elected health and social Killian as “a significant force Sparks (Lab) adopts a more given Cllr McMahon certain he will retain his job one parliamentary term Prior to joining Essex, she care commissioners. in the local government consensual tone around national presence, and he and oversee the wonder or continues to hold was the director of local As well as being a chief community over many which all the parties can now chairs the Co-operative comprehensive spending an influential role, he has had government performance and executive for one of the years” and someone who more readily unite. Councils Innovation review expected next year. a significant impact on improvement with the Audit largest local authorities in “not only develops ideas but Cllr McMahon’s rising Network. Mr Alexander launched, councils. Commission. England, Ms Killian is the actually delivers them”.

6 Local Government Chronicle November 2014 LGCplus.com LGCplus.com November 2014 Local Government Chronicle 7 have been attached to the journals including the has raised doubts about his Fulham will leave many eyeing 11 fund, including some funds 12 Institute for Government, of 15 department’s competence to 16 the model’s sustainability. being tied to local partners which he is an associate. No monitor the impact of cuts Cllr Roe is a member of the JEREMY HUNT achieving an agreed level of BARRY QUIRK one else can place local ERIC PICKLES and the communities PHILIPPA ROE London Enterprise Panel and Health secretary reduction in hospital Chief executive, government matters in the Communities secretary’s attacks on “spy Leader, Westminster chairs the West End As the politician responsible for admissions. Mr Hunt faces Lewisham LBC philosophical and societal secretary cars” and fortnightly bin City Council Partnership, which aims to the nation’s healthcare, Jeremy criticism from many local Barry Quirk is quite simply the context Mr Quirk can supply. Mr Pickles, who occupied top collections are widely felt to be Philippa Roe (Con) is closely promote that part of the capital. Hunt takes the decisions which government figures who point chief executives’ chief executive, His long partnership with slot when this list was last an irrelevance. associated with the tri-borough Given her position, she is a determine the extent to which out that such successes will winning respect across the his borough’s elected mayor, published in 2011, may be This is not to say he has no shared service arrangement strong and vocal supporter of councils can influence the take some time to bring about. sector for his knowledge and Steve Bullock (Lab), has seen secretary of state in the force – he has ordered between her own authority, devolution to cities. She is health service in their area. Mr Hunt has successfully passion for local government Lewisham come to be department supposed to be commissioners into Tower Hammersmith & Fulham LBC considered a rising star among Councils have pinned their campaigned for better care and broader society. He has regarded as among the most local government’s champion Hamlets LBC, Rotherham MBC and Kensington & Chelsea Conservative councillors and hopes on working with the standards and has worked to been chief executive of successful London boroughs. but the judges thought his and Birmingham City Council RBC. Tri-borough has been a some judges speculated she NHS to integrate services stabilise the NHS after the Lewisham LBC since 1993. The chief executive’s passion unrelenting attacks on the in the wake of election and child flagship for shared services would stand a good chance of including through the £3.8bn turmoil of the reforms Mr Quirk regularly for the varied make-up of his sector meant he was no longer protection scandals and arrangements elsewhere winning if she ran to become better care fund. implemented by his publishes articles and papers borough and wider London is taken seriously. promises a new round of city although Labour winning leader of the LGA’s Conservative However, new conditions predecessor Andrew Lansley. in the press and for academic readily apparent. The National Audit Office deals before the election. control of Hammersmith & group next year.

government, Mr Clark has control of the NHS’s £90bn Communities & Local care fund, under which money 13 responsibility for EU 14 commissioning budget, which 17 Government’s understanding of 18 is pooled between the NHS and structural funds, the regional has not yet become party the council cuts it had overseen. councils, although the lofty GREG CLARK growth fund, cities policy and ANDY policy, but made apparent how AMYAS MORSE Amyas Morse has been a NORMAN LAMB integration aims of the project Universities and local growth. BURNHAM service integration is at the Comptroller and defender of local government Care services appear threatened by the science minister The local growth fund will Shadow health centre of his thinking. Mr auditor general, against Whitehall pressure, but minister government’s assistance that It is no accident urban areas finance a selection of local secretary Burnham said he wanted to see National Audit Office his office’s report into the better Many politicians pay lip service hospitals should be partially are finally winning real enterprise partnerships’ growth no big bang but a “10-year The National Audit Office is care fund sparked outrage from to the word integration in the compensated if plans do not devolution when a committed plans from 2015 to 2020, In contrast to the majority of his journey” to create a “national responsible for certifying local DCLG permanent secretary Sir context of the relationship of result in reduced accident and localist is in charge of cities starting with £2bn for 2015-16, Labour colleagues who have health and care service”. government’s accounts and Bob Kerslake, who said the body health and local government. emergency admissions. He has policy. Greg Clark’s remit is a for which the winning local hardly set the world alight by Of course, Labour has to be from 2015 will take failed to understand localism. Not so Norman Lamb. also been critical of the quality broad one but the judges felt enterprise partnerships were offering creative responses to elected for Mr Burnham’s responsibility from the Audit As the NAO unveils its new It was the Liberal Democrat of mental health services. his focus on economic announced in the summer. the nation’s ills, Andy Burnham’s vision to take effect. Commission for preparing and code next year and councils care services minister who gave Mr Lamb now faces a race growth, decentralisation and One judge said Mr Clark was work on the integration on He has also successfully maintaining the code for local experience increasing 14 areas pioneer status, leading against time to put his ideas into empowering cities was driving “driving a revolution through health and social care is radical. landed political blows through public audit. It showed its force budgetary pressure after the the integration of health and practice before a general change. With particular government in how cities can He mooted a plan to give his campaign against NHS with a withering assessment of next spending review, Mr Morse social care. He is also election in which his party is relevance to local be trusted to deliver”. health and wellbeing boards privatisation. the Department for will remain an important voice. synonymous with the better widely expected to lose ground.

8 Local Government Chronicle November 2014 LGCplus.com LGCplus.com November 2014 Local Government Chronicle 9 have been attached to the journals including the has raised doubts about his Fulham will leave many eyeing 11 fund, including some funds 12 Institute for Government, of 15 department’s competence to 16 the model’s sustainability. being tied to local partners which he is an associate. No monitor the impact of cuts Cllr Roe is a member of the JEREMY HUNT achieving an agreed level of BARRY QUIRK one else can place local ERIC PICKLES and the communities PHILIPPA ROE London Enterprise Panel and Health secretary reduction in hospital Chief executive, government matters in the Communities secretary’s attacks on “spy Leader, Westminster chairs the West End As the politician responsible for admissions. Mr Hunt faces Lewisham LBC philosophical and societal secretary cars” and fortnightly bin City Council Partnership, which aims to the nation’s healthcare, Jeremy criticism from many local Barry Quirk is quite simply the context Mr Quirk can supply. Mr Pickles, who occupied top collections are widely felt to be Philippa Roe (Con) is closely promote that part of the capital. Hunt takes the decisions which government figures who point chief executives’ chief executive, His long partnership with slot when this list was last an irrelevance. associated with the tri-borough Given her position, she is a determine the extent to which out that such successes will winning respect across the his borough’s elected mayor, published in 2011, may be This is not to say he has no shared service arrangement strong and vocal supporter of councils can influence the take some time to bring about. sector for his knowledge and Steve Bullock (Lab), has seen secretary of state in the force – he has ordered between her own authority, devolution to cities. She is health service in their area. Mr Hunt has successfully passion for local government Lewisham come to be department supposed to be commissioners into Tower Hammersmith & Fulham LBC considered a rising star among Councils have pinned their campaigned for better care and broader society. He has regarded as among the most local government’s champion Hamlets LBC, Rotherham MBC and Kensington & Chelsea Conservative councillors and hopes on working with the standards and has worked to been chief executive of successful London boroughs. but the judges thought his and Birmingham City Council RBC. Tri-borough has been a some judges speculated she NHS to integrate services stabilise the NHS after the Lewisham LBC since 1993. The chief executive’s passion unrelenting attacks on the in the wake of election and child flagship for shared services would stand a good chance of including through the £3.8bn turmoil of the reforms Mr Quirk regularly for the varied make-up of his sector meant he was no longer protection scandals and arrangements elsewhere winning if she ran to become better care fund. implemented by his publishes articles and papers borough and wider London is taken seriously. promises a new round of city although Labour winning leader of the LGA’s Conservative However, new conditions predecessor Andrew Lansley. in the press and for academic readily apparent. The National Audit Office deals before the election. control of Hammersmith & group next year.

8 Local Government Chronicle November 2014 LGCplus.com LGCplus.com November 2014 Local Government Chronicle 9 CIPFA

to continuing with austerity, it allocated to local growth all Whitehall departments devolution. He said he 19 seems likely any Labour chief 20 quickly enough. 23 will helpfully alleviate their 24 believed other combined secretary would inevitably Although the LGA has silo mentality which hampers authorities had the ability to CHRIS LESLIE have to make decisions that hit MARGARET argued that the public FRANCIS councils in their dealings LORD SMITH be as successful as Greater Shadow chief councils hard. HODGE accounts committee should MAUDE with the centre. Leader, Wigan MBC Manchester “in the longer secretary to the Mr Leslie could be Chair, public not have too great a role in the Minister for the His work to reform Lord Smith (Lab) has led Wigan term”. Treasury overseeing a comprehensive accounts committee oversight of councils, Ms Cabinet Office and outdated and costly MBC since 1991. As chair of the Lord Smith has said it would If Labour wins the general spending review next year. Hodge has made it clear paymaster general procurement processes Greater Manchester Combined be “stupid” to rule himself out election will councils find a He has hinted Labour would As the Labour chair of the councils will face its scrutiny, should cut costs in local Authority and the Association of the running to be the city’s friend in a high place in the support unitary local public accounts committee and this scrutiny may intensify. Mr Maude is one of the most government. of Greater Manchester first mayor, who will be form of the former director of government reorganisation and since 2010, Margaret Hodge The judges said Ms Hodge is influential behind-the-scenes However, it is Mr Maude’s Authorities, his was a appointed by the leaders of the the New Local Government also revealed plans to relieve has developed a fearsome a “vocal and national” figure. operators in Westminster and enthusiasm for public sector significant role in the ground- 10 councils before the first Network Chris Leslie? The housing shortages by starting a reputation for grilling those However, her influence on local was described by our judges mutuals, which the judges breaking devolution deal election in 2017. Lord Smith is former councillor was a ‘help to build’ scheme in which appearing before her. government might not be as “quietly a friend of local said had let “a cat out of the awarded to Greater also chair of Local Government champion of local government a Labour government would Earlier this year her positive with her calls for close government”. bag” and could potentially Manchester this month. Leadership, which seeks to in his time with the thinktank underwrite loans to small committee found Whitehall monitoring of expenditure His programme of lead to a revolution in which Lord Smith said the GMCA develop leadership skills in the but, with his party committed house building firms. had failed to spend money undermining localism. efficiency and reform across staff run their own services. saw itself as a “pilot” for sector.

arguing for devolution for local authorities spend their rating of schools or demanded Lord Adonis, who was schools 21 counties. 22 public health grant which 25 central intervention. 26 minister and transport Should Labour win in May, potentially removes councils’ Many felt Ofsted overreacted secretary under Tony Blair HILARY BENN he will have a series of tough DUNCAN jurisdiction to divert it to non- SIR MICHAEL to Birmingham’s Trojan Horse LORD ADONIS and Gordon Brown, stretches Shadow decisions on the allocation of SELBIE public health areas. Public WILSHAW affair, although there was less Labour peer beyond the confines of his communities scarce resources, for instance Chief executive, Health England’s chief Chief inspector of controversy over its Lord Adonis’s report into own party. He was chosen to secretary on whether to axe the new Public Health executive has championed education, children’s ‘inadequate’ rating for rebalancing economic review the tri-borough shared Hilary Benn will undoubtedly homes bonus and how to England councils as being the natural services and skills, Rotherham’s children’s services. growth away from London services arrangement be a very different figure to distribute resources between home of campaigns against Ofsted His recommendation to towards the regions provides between Hammersmith & Eric Pickles should he take north and south. One judge Duncan Selbie has overseen obesity and the promotion of appoint a children’s the greatest hope so far that Fulham LBC, Westminster the communities secretary’s said: “Hilary’s unassuming implementation of councils’ active lifestyles. There can be no regulator commissioner in the latter case Labour will devolve. City Council and Kensington job following the general style masks a driving public health duty since it However, with public health which is so at the heart of the was taken up by the Responsibility for planning, & Chelsea RBC, producing a election. Mr Benn has won ambition for a fresh new role transferred from the NHS in spending frozen and the level wrangle about whether power government. Amid this infrastructure, skills and report which backed similar respect for reaching out to for local government. He 2013. of challenges increasing, Mr lies centrally or locally than controversy there is perhaps transport should be devolved, arrangements elsewhere but areas which are not genuinely appears to believe Mr Selbie has this year Selbie faces a battle to make Ofsted. Under Sir Michael little surprise the LGA has the Labour peer said. led the former council to necessarily Labour in devolution and not just introduced additional councils invest more of their Wilshaw’s leadership it has demanded an independent Having previously been a reappoint its own chief heartlands, for instance by while he is in Opposition.” scrutiny of the way in which own funds into public health. frequently downgraded its review of Sir Michael’s regulator. Liberal Democrat, respect for executive.

10 Local Government Chronicle November 2014 LGCplus.com LGCplus.com November 2014 Local Government Chronicle 11 CIPFA to continuing with austerity, it allocated to local growth all Whitehall departments devolution. He said he 19 seems likely any Labour chief 20 quickly enough. 23 will helpfully alleviate their 24 believed other combined secretary would inevitably Although the LGA has silo mentality which hampers authorities had the ability to CHRIS LESLIE have to make decisions that hit MARGARET argued that the public FRANCIS councils in their dealings LORD SMITH be as successful as Greater Shadow chief councils hard. HODGE accounts committee should MAUDE with the centre. Leader, Wigan MBC Manchester “in the longer secretary to the Mr Leslie could be Chair, public not have too great a role in the Minister for the His work to reform Lord Smith (Lab) has led Wigan term”. Treasury overseeing a comprehensive accounts committee oversight of councils, Ms Cabinet Office and outdated and costly MBC since 1991. As chair of the Lord Smith has said it would If Labour wins the general spending review next year. Hodge has made it clear paymaster general procurement processes Greater Manchester Combined be “stupid” to rule himself out election will councils find a He has hinted Labour would As the Labour chair of the councils will face its scrutiny, should cut costs in local Authority and the Association of the running to be the city’s friend in a high place in the support unitary local public accounts committee and this scrutiny may intensify. Mr Maude is one of the most government. of Greater Manchester first mayor, who will be form of the former director of government reorganisation and since 2010, Margaret Hodge The judges said Ms Hodge is influential behind-the-scenes However, it is Mr Maude’s Authorities, his was a appointed by the leaders of the the New Local Government also revealed plans to relieve has developed a fearsome a “vocal and national” figure. operators in Westminster and enthusiasm for public sector significant role in the ground- 10 councils before the first Network Chris Leslie? The housing shortages by starting a reputation for grilling those However, her influence on local was described by our judges mutuals, which the judges breaking devolution deal election in 2017. Lord Smith is former councillor was a ‘help to build’ scheme in which appearing before her. government might not be as “quietly a friend of local said had let “a cat out of the awarded to Greater also chair of Local Government champion of local government a Labour government would Earlier this year her positive with her calls for close government”. bag” and could potentially Manchester this month. Leadership, which seeks to in his time with the thinktank underwrite loans to small committee found Whitehall monitoring of expenditure His programme of lead to a revolution in which Lord Smith said the GMCA develop leadership skills in the but, with his party committed house building firms. had failed to spend money undermining localism. efficiency and reform across staff run their own services. saw itself as a “pilot” for sector.

10 Local Government Chronicle November 2014 LGCplus.com LGCplus.com November 2014 Local Government Chronicle 11 COMMENT ANDY MAHON Partner, government services, BDO List reflects biggest challenge of sector The LGC100 provides a fascinating insight into issues facing Doncaster Children’s Trust in ‘100 days’ project, in which it in his role at NHS England, in councils over the coming year. This year’s list reflects the three 27 the first instance of children’s 28 challenges whatever 31 which he supports the 14 factors that will have the biggest impact on councils next year: services being run by a not- government is elected in 2015 integration pioneer greater devolution; a general election; and health and social care JO MILLER for-profit company rather DAVID SPARKS to devolve greater power to GEOFF programmes identified by the integration. Chief executive, than by a council itself. She Chair, LGA local authorities within its ALLTIMES Department for Health as Firstly, we expect other local authorities to seek to replicate the Doncaster MBC has backed competition in The LGA’s first Labour chair first 100 days of power in Senior responsible exemplary projects. ground-breaking deal struck between the Treasury and the Greater Jo Miller’s no-nonsense areas where it was previously in a decade vowed to do order to save the public purse officer, integration He is seen as an Manchester Combined Authority to devolve powers and budgets. attitude to service shunned. things differently on being £11bn. pioneer support authoritative figure on Sir Richard Leese and Sir Howard Bernstein of Manchester City improvement has led her to be Ms Miller is refreshingly elected to the office in July While Cllr Sparks is seen programme, NHS integration and, as councils Council were an obvious choice to top the LGC100. Their work will seen as the Marmite chief willing to enter into 2014, promising an end to its as a consensual figure, who and health service providers fundamentally reshape the relationship between central and local executive – the darling of controversy, recently “consensus at all costs” will keep the LGA’s party England seek to ensure the better care government in the UK. reformers but offensive to accusing directors of approach and encouraging leads united in pursuit of Mr Alltimes is using his fund really does drive Secondly, compiling a list of influential people in local others. children’s services of its political groups to devolution, the freedom he experience as a former chief significant change, Mr government just six months before a general election was always Following a damning “professional narcissism” and speak out on controversial gives others will undoubtedly executive of Hammersmith & Alltimes has his work cut out going to be a challenge. We expect that, if there is a 2015 list, review of her borough’s many of her fellow chiefs of issues. enhance the prestige of its Fulham LBC and the ensuring aspiration is not changes in the political landscape will mean a significant shift in children’s services in 2013, not understanding children’s Under his leadership, the Labour group lead Jim borough’s primary care trust sacrificed at the altar of candidates’ positions in the LGC100. the council created the services. LGA has also launched its McMahon. to drive integration national political expediency. Thirdly, the prominence of Simon Stevens, chief executive of NHS England, Department of Health ministers and shadow health ministers reveals the impact integrated health and social care could have on local government throughout 2015, particularly because of the significant portion of local authority budgets that social care makes up. BDO has partnered with more than 100 local authorities. We’re already working with councils to face up to the challenges of the next decade. For example, BDO has specialist local government and healthcare teams. We are currently helping councils and NHS bodies overcome barriers to integration so that they can continue to deliver high quality and safe services within available resources. To help manage financial pressures, our financial assurance teams are supporting councils to review their financial resilience and the robustness of financial management. To reduce the need for cuts we are also helping councils review implementation of the mayor’s more outspoken than his president is working towards options for income generation, guiding them through different 29 policies and leads on Greater 30 predecessors in areas including 32 this in his own authority legal models and the tax, pensions and governance implications of London Authority budgets and the Barnett formula, councils’ through the Leadership setting up a company. Our work with the traded services arm of a SIR EDWARD administration. He has direct ROB use of reserves and public MARTIN Centre’s Local Vision project. large county council increased the council’s dividend by over 50%. LISTER responsibility for leading and WHITEMAN finance’s impact on health, REEVES Mr Reeves has also called There are great challenges ahead for local government in 2015. Chief of staff, mayor overseeing operations in City Chief executive, social care and housing. Chief executive, on councils that want greater But great challenges also create significant opportunities, as of London Hall. Chartered Institute One of our judges said: Coventry City devolution to demonstrate reflected by this year’s LGC100. BDO looks forward to supporting With other cities seeking to of Public Finance “Rob Whiteman is Council how they could be more local government leaders to make the most out of those As Boris Johnson’s chief of adapt the mayoral model for and Accountancy repositioning Cipfa as a effective by using their opportunities over the next year. staff and deputy mayor to help them drive growth and serious independent Mr Reeves has been chief existing powers to drive local responsible for policy and win devolved power, the The former chief executive of commentator on matters of executive of Coventry City economic growth. planning, Sir Edward Lister nuances of London’s power the UK Border Agency and public service controversy and Council since 2008 and is Locally, much of his energy (Con) is seen as the right structure will be closely Barking & Dagenham LBC influencing policy positions of seen as an advocate of has been devoted to SPONSORED AND SUPPLIED BY BDO hand man of the most high- studied and Sir Edward could has become one of the most political parties and breaking down barriers attempting to solve profile directly elected mayor be a role model to those valued opinion formers in government. He is not afraid between public agencies controversy over Coventry’s in the country. seeking to make mayoral local government. to speak the truth where through systems leadership. football stadium, which is Sir Edward co-ordinates the structures work elsewhere. Cipfa’s chief has been far others are wary of treading.” The former Solace part owned by the council.

12 Local Government Chronicle November 2014 LGCplus.com LGCplus.com November 2014 Local Government Chronicle 13 COMMENT ANDY MAHON Partner, government services, BDO List reflects biggest challenge of sector The LGC100 provides a fascinating insight into issues facing Doncaster Children’s Trust in ‘100 days’ project, in which it in his role at NHS England, in councils over the coming year. This year’s list reflects the three 27 the first instance of children’s 28 challenges whatever 31 which he supports the 14 factors that will have the biggest impact on councils next year: services being run by a not- government is elected in 2015 integration pioneer greater devolution; a general election; and health and social care JO MILLER for-profit company rather DAVID SPARKS to devolve greater power to GEOFF programmes identified by the integration. Chief executive, than by a council itself. She Chair, LGA local authorities within its ALLTIMES Department for Health as Firstly, we expect other local authorities to seek to replicate the Doncaster MBC has backed competition in The LGA’s first Labour chair first 100 days of power in Senior responsible exemplary projects. ground-breaking deal struck between the Treasury and the Greater Jo Miller’s no-nonsense areas where it was previously in a decade vowed to do order to save the public purse officer, integration He is seen as an Manchester Combined Authority to devolve powers and budgets. attitude to service shunned. things differently on being £11bn. pioneer support authoritative figure on Sir Richard Leese and Sir Howard Bernstein of Manchester City improvement has led her to be Ms Miller is refreshingly elected to the office in July While Cllr Sparks is seen programme, NHS integration and, as councils Council were an obvious choice to top the LGC100. Their work will seen as the Marmite chief willing to enter into 2014, promising an end to its as a consensual figure, who and health service providers fundamentally reshape the relationship between central and local executive – the darling of controversy, recently “consensus at all costs” will keep the LGA’s party England seek to ensure the better care government in the UK. reformers but offensive to accusing directors of approach and encouraging leads united in pursuit of Mr Alltimes is using his fund really does drive Secondly, compiling a list of influential people in local others. children’s services of its political groups to devolution, the freedom he experience as a former chief significant change, Mr government just six months before a general election was always Following a damning “professional narcissism” and speak out on controversial gives others will undoubtedly executive of Hammersmith & Alltimes has his work cut out going to be a challenge. We expect that, if there is a 2015 list, review of her borough’s many of her fellow chiefs of issues. enhance the prestige of its Fulham LBC and the ensuring aspiration is not changes in the political landscape will mean a significant shift in children’s services in 2013, not understanding children’s Under his leadership, the Labour group lead Jim borough’s primary care trust sacrificed at the altar of candidates’ positions in the LGC100. the council created the services. LGA has also launched its McMahon. to drive integration national political expediency. Thirdly, the prominence of Simon Stevens, chief executive of NHS England, Department of Health ministers and shadow health ministers reveals the impact integrated health and social care could have on local government throughout 2015, particularly because of the significant portion of local authority budgets that social care makes up. BDO has partnered with more than 100 local authorities. We’re already working with councils to face up to the challenges of the next decade. For example, BDO has specialist local government and healthcare teams. We are currently helping councils and NHS bodies overcome barriers to integration so that they can continue to deliver high quality and safe services within available resources. To help manage financial pressures, our financial assurance teams are supporting councils to review their financial resilience and the robustness of financial management. To reduce the need for cuts we are also helping councils review implementation of the mayor’s more outspoken than his president is working towards options for income generation, guiding them through different 29 policies and leads on Greater 30 predecessors in areas including 32 this in his own authority legal models and the tax, pensions and governance implications of London Authority budgets and the Barnett formula, councils’ through the Leadership setting up a company. Our work with the traded services arm of a SIR EDWARD administration. He has direct ROB use of reserves and public MARTIN Centre’s Local Vision project. large county council increased the council’s dividend by over 50%. LISTER responsibility for leading and WHITEMAN finance’s impact on health, REEVES Mr Reeves has also called There are great challenges ahead for local government in 2015. Chief of staff, mayor overseeing operations in City Chief executive, social care and housing. Chief executive, on councils that want greater But great challenges also create significant opportunities, as of London Hall. Chartered Institute One of our judges said: Coventry City devolution to demonstrate reflected by this year’s LGC100. BDO looks forward to supporting With other cities seeking to of Public Finance “Rob Whiteman is Council how they could be more local government leaders to make the most out of those As Boris Johnson’s chief of adapt the mayoral model for and Accountancy repositioning Cipfa as a effective by using their opportunities over the next year. staff and deputy mayor to help them drive growth and serious independent Mr Reeves has been chief existing powers to drive local responsible for policy and win devolved power, the The former chief executive of commentator on matters of executive of Coventry City economic growth. planning, Sir Edward Lister nuances of London’s power the UK Border Agency and public service controversy and Council since 2008 and is Locally, much of his energy (Con) is seen as the right structure will be closely Barking & Dagenham LBC influencing policy positions of seen as an advocate of has been devoted to SPONSORED AND SUPPLIED BY BDO hand man of the most high- studied and Sir Edward could has become one of the most political parties and breaking down barriers attempting to solve profile directly elected mayor be a role model to those valued opinion formers in government. He is not afraid between public agencies controversy over Coventry’s in the country. seeking to make mayoral local government. to speak the truth where through systems leadership. football stadium, which is Sir Edward co-ordinates the structures work elsewhere. Cipfa’s chief has been far others are wary of treading.” The former Solace part owned by the council.

12 Local Government Chronicle November 2014 LGCplus.com LGCplus.com November 2014 Local Government Chronicle 13 it extremely well placed to year taken part in an reviewing Birmingham’s repeat of the 2011 collapse of 33 judge if local partners are 34 influential review of the tri- 37 governance following the 38 the Southern Cross care making a success of borough arrangement Trojan Horse scandal and Mr home empire, which will DAVID BEHAN integration. TONY TRAVERS between Hammersmith & MARK ROGERS Rogers’ efforts to devolve ANDREA include providing early Chief executive, Care Mr Behan has overseen the Professor, Fulham LBC, Westminster Chief executive, power within the city could SUTCLIFFE warnings of a similar Quality Commission drafting of new regulations department of City Council and Birmingham City be key to determining the Chief inspector of possible crises. As care standards come for health and social care government, London Kensington & Chelsea RBC, Council extent of any further central adult social care, The actions of the CQC under increasing public providers to uphold a ‘duty of School of Economics as well as chairing a Mark Rogers faces one of the intervention. Care Quality and Ms Sutcliffe will become scrutiny, the Care Quality candour’ to be honest about commission on growth in sector’s biggest challenges in With Mr Rogers also being Commission increasingly relevant to local Commission has conducted service failures. Tony Travers was described Waltham Forest LBC, among turning around the biggest the president of Solace, which authorities as they navigate more rigorous analysis of However, the regulator’s by one judge as “the countless other projects single-tier authority, which has has made barnstorming As the chief inspector of the changing care landscape care services provided by top effectiveness has come into independent, credible within the sector. been wracked by problems calls for chief executives to adult social care, Ms Sutcliffe in the wake of the Care Act. tier local authorities. question due to a shortage commentator and analyst of He will continue to be an including an immense equal reject subservience to will drive forward the Care Councils will hope she holds The regulator will begin of inspectors, with some local government affairs, influential voice on local pay bill, budget constraints Whitehall, some may Quality Commission’s new true to her objective of inspecting health systems teams operating at half particularly on anything to do government finance in 2015; and children’s services consider him unlucky not to inspection regime. She will ensuring the regulator, local across whole geographical the desired complement of with finance”. as one judge put it, “if Tony performance. have been ranked higher up lead the commission’s work government and providers areas from next year, leaving staff. Professor Travers has this says it, we all believe it”. The government is the LGC100. on monitoring risks of a co-operate well.

success of moves to integrate Cambridge, the area is likely for putting aside old governance structures 35 public services nationwide. 36 to be a pace setter for 39 animosities to make their 40 should be given more power. The chief executive is the head devolution. city region the second Mr Lucas has worked with ANDREW KERR of the paid service and is MARK LLOYD Mr Lloyd, who was TOM RIORDAN strongest candidate for BEN LUCAS several cities including Chief executive, responsible for a budget of Chief executive, appointed in March 2008, Chief executive, devolved powers, Chair of public Liverpool, on its capital of Cornwall CC approximately £1bn. Cambridgeshire CC will have a key role in Leeds City Council behind only Greater services, RSA culture status; and Occupying its position on a The former athlete has Cambridgeshire CC is determining the influence of Tom Riordan, chief executive Manchester. In his role as the chair of public Manchester and peninsula, which allows for been demanding a single broadly regarded across his authority – a county – in of Leeds City Council since There are many examples services at the influential RSA, Birmingham on their coterminous public services, funding pot in the county, the local government sector any combined authority 2010, has seen his tenure of Leeds’ success, including Ben Lucas is a commissioner approach to localism. and possessing a unique covering police, health, fire as one of the most effective arrangement, when urban coincide with the city its status as an integration on the society’s City Growth This positions him as a identity, Cornwall is among and council services. councils in the country and unitary councils have led cementing its position as a pioneer, the city working to Commission, a 12-month central figure in the the best placed authorities to Cornwall has been among Mark Lloyd, as its chief most similar projects regional powerhouse. bring cycling’s Tour de inquiry into how cities can be devolution debate, especially win devolved powers. the first councils to set out its executive, wields significant elsewhere. Leeds is likely to be the France to Yorkshire this year, empowered to shape and drive with regards to Labour. Andrew Kerr will be a key financial plans for the influence as a purveyor of Counties, in particular, dominant council in the and a booming local their economies. Mr Lucas is also a trustee of figure in determining both coming years, announcing a best practice. will look to Cambridgeshire West Yorkshire Combined economy, with huge The commission’s final the New Local Government whether the county achieves proposal to save £196m With much economic CC’s chief executive for Authority but the city and its numbers of new houses report said metropolitan Network and the Joseph its devolutionary goals and the between 2014 and 2018. growth centred around inspiration. neighbours deserve credit planned. authorities with robust Rowntree Foundation.

14 Local Government Chronicle November 2014 LGCplus.com LGCplus.com November 2014 Local Government Chronicle 15 it extremely well placed to year taken part in an reviewing Birmingham’s repeat of the 2011 collapse of 33 judge if local partners are 34 influential review of the tri- 37 governance following the 38 the Southern Cross care making a success of borough arrangement Trojan Horse scandal and Mr home empire, which will DAVID BEHAN integration. TONY TRAVERS between Hammersmith & MARK ROGERS Rogers’ efforts to devolve ANDREA include providing early Chief executive, Care Mr Behan has overseen the Professor, Fulham LBC, Westminster Chief executive, power within the city could SUTCLIFFE warnings of a similar Quality Commission drafting of new regulations department of City Council and Birmingham City be key to determining the Chief inspector of possible crises. As care standards come for health and social care government, London Kensington & Chelsea RBC, Council extent of any further central adult social care, The actions of the CQC under increasing public providers to uphold a ‘duty of School of Economics as well as chairing a Mark Rogers faces one of the intervention. Care Quality and Ms Sutcliffe will become scrutiny, the Care Quality candour’ to be honest about commission on growth in sector’s biggest challenges in With Mr Rogers also being Commission increasingly relevant to local Commission has conducted service failures. Tony Travers was described Waltham Forest LBC, among turning around the biggest the president of Solace, which authorities as they navigate more rigorous analysis of However, the regulator’s by one judge as “the countless other projects single-tier authority, which has has made barnstorming As the chief inspector of the changing care landscape care services provided by top effectiveness has come into independent, credible within the sector. been wracked by problems calls for chief executives to adult social care, Ms Sutcliffe in the wake of the Care Act. tier local authorities. question due to a shortage commentator and analyst of He will continue to be an including an immense equal reject subservience to will drive forward the Care Councils will hope she holds The regulator will begin of inspectors, with some local government affairs, influential voice on local pay bill, budget constraints Whitehall, some may Quality Commission’s new true to her objective of inspecting health systems teams operating at half particularly on anything to do government finance in 2015; and children’s services consider him unlucky not to inspection regime. She will ensuring the regulator, local across whole geographical the desired complement of with finance”. as one judge put it, “if Tony performance. have been ranked higher up lead the commission’s work government and providers areas from next year, leaving staff. Professor Travers has this says it, we all believe it”. The government is the LGC100. on monitoring risks of a co-operate well.

14 Local Government Chronicle November 2014 LGCplus.com LGCplus.com November 2014 Local Government Chronicle 15 COMMENT MARTIN TUCKER Joint managing partner, GatenbySanderson Local leadership takes centre stage GatenbySanderson was very pleased to participate in the LGC100 this Cllr Porter was certainly coincidentally including the at their disposal in the districts, suggesting that they year. After all, we spend much of our time seeking out and assessing 41 an outspoken critic of the 42= Conservatives’ strongest coming months to make a could have a greater role in those who are going to make a difference to public services. government’s policy on heartlands – which are case for county and district delivering universal credit. Not only are we interested in the here and now, we are naturally GARY PORTER councillor pensions, DAVID HODGE craving power and whose empowerment. Cllr Clarke is deputy interested in longer-term leadership trends. We are delighted to see Leader, Conservative claiming it would create Leader, Surrey CC populations are subject to Cllr Hodge, the leader of chairman of the LGA that four out of this year’s top 10 are women. It could be seen as group, LGA another disincentive to and NEIL the same feelings of Surrey CC, has suggested leadership board and vice- indicative that a better gender balance is being achieved at the top At a time when his party is people to enter local disempowerment that rose counties could run job chairman of East Midlands of organisations that affect the lives of so many people. widely regarded as being run politics. CLARKE to the fore among the Scots centres and NHS back office Councils. Disappointingly, however, that might not be the case. by toffs, the straight-talking Under LGA Conservative Leader, Rushcliffe BC during their independence processes. In among the excitement Looking back to when LGC published its most influential list in and clubbable Gary Porter group rules, Cllr Porter’s term Various government referendum campaign. At the LGA, Cllr Hodge is about devolution deals to 2011, we find that 12 women made the list whereas in 2014 only 11 cuts a refreshing figure. of office ends midway pronouncements leave one This all places Tories David deputy chair of the executive major cities, the two men will were included among the top 50. In 2011, women represented 24% Many have wondered what through 2015 but many eyes with the impression that Hodge, the County Councils board and the leadership play an important role in of the whole list; in 2014 that goes on in private meetings will be on him if the devolution is something Network’s chair, and Neil board, and chairs its people ensuring the devolution percentage had dropped to Some of the skills between the LGA vice- government seeks to blame that is reserved for cities Clarke, his counterpart at the and places board. debate continues to progress 21%. Further comparisons chairman and the council- councils for local ills in the alone. District Councils Network, in Cllr Clarke is the leader of and prevent the sector and reveal even greater changes. anticipated as being bashing communities run up to the general This is hardly goes down quite an interesting position. Rushcliffe BC who has called Whitehall from resting on its Local authority chief executives ‘ ‘critical to a secretary Eric Pickles. election. well in non-urban areas – They must use all of the force for greater responsibilities for laurels. made up 18 or 36% of the post-recessionary world names in 2011. Three years later – innovative thinking, this has slid to just 11 or 22% of the top 50. Taking the top 100 resilience, dynamism as a whole in 2014, chief and the ability not just executives represent only 18%. to determine strategy In 2011, the number one ranked person was the secretary but to successfully of state, Eric Pickles. The editor implement it – are of LGC at the time wrote: “Mr coming to the fore Pickles’ position in the next LGC50 list will be a test of his success. If his localism ambitions are realised, we would expect his top slot to go to a local leader and even more entries to come from local government.” Well, half of that prediction came to pass and the top slot did indeed go to a local leader. Mr Pickles, meanwhile, has seen his perceived influence on union’s local government This year, Ms Staite also a significant behind- local government in 2015 wane, reflected by his ranking of 15. 44 services group, has been a 45 co-wrote the authoritative 46 the-scenes figure in securing So, will we see proportionately more influence coming from vocal defender of council 2020 Vision report, in Greater Manchester’s outside of local government during 2015 than from within it? HEATHER workers facing redundancy, CATHERINE association with Grant SEAN HARRISS devolution deal, which many Looking ahead is notoriously difficult of course, especially in an WAKEFIELD increasing workloads and STAITE Thornton, which she Chief executive, will view as a testing ground election year, and only time will tell whether this is borne out. What Head of local cuts or freezes in pay. Director, Institute for presented at the Society of Bolton MBC for cities with greater is clear is that some of the skills that were anticipated as being government service She has also spoken out on Local Government Local Government Chief Sean Harriss has been chief autonomy. critical to a post-recessionary world – innovative thinking, resilience, group, Unison other issues facing local Studies, University of Executives & Senior Managers executive of Bolton MBC As well as being well dynamism and the ability not just to determine strategy but to government, strongly Birmingham conference last month. since 2007. He was thought of by the sector, Mr successfully implement it – are certainly coming to the fore in the During a period of extreme criticising suggestions that It predicted more previously executive director Harriss is valued by the LGC100. Being in the business of helping organisations find and pressure on local government local government might Catherine Staite is a thought devolution over the next five of strategy and resources at public. develop leaders, we look forward to a future that continues to see staff, Unison has co-ordinated outsource children’s services. leader in her position at the years and that the majority of Oldham MBC. The He was given an honorary these influencers rise to the top. strike action and negotiated Unison will undoubtedly seek Institute for Local Government economic growth will be metropolitan council has degree in public pay and pension deals with to raise the plight of local Studies (InLoGov), which was derived from the impact of been seen as a leader in administration by the SPONSORED AND SUPPLIED BY GATENBYSANDERSON central government. government workers as an described by the judges as “the housing, skills, jobs and mobile technology and in its University of Bolton for his Heather Wakefield, in her issue in the run-up to the spiritual home for many chief infrastructure investment on environmental services. outstanding contribution to position as head of the general election. executives”. local communities. The affable Mr Harriss was the local community.

16 Local Government Chronicle November 2014 LGCplus.com LGCplus.com November 2014 Local Government Chronicle 17 COMMENT MARTIN TUCKER Joint managing partner, GatenbySanderson Local leadership takes centre stage GatenbySanderson was very pleased to participate in the LGC100 this Cllr Porter was certainly coincidentally including the at their disposal in the districts, suggesting that they year. After all, we spend much of our time seeking out and assessing 41 an outspoken critic of the 42= Conservatives’ strongest coming months to make a could have a greater role in those who are going to make a difference to public services. government’s policy on heartlands – which are case for county and district delivering universal credit. Not only are we interested in the here and now, we are naturally GARY PORTER councillor pensions, DAVID HODGE craving power and whose empowerment. Cllr Clarke is deputy interested in longer-term leadership trends. We are delighted to see Leader, Conservative claiming it would create Leader, Surrey CC populations are subject to Cllr Hodge, the leader of chairman of the LGA that four out of this year’s top 10 are women. It could be seen as group, LGA another disincentive to and NEIL the same feelings of Surrey CC, has suggested leadership board and vice- indicative that a better gender balance is being achieved at the top At a time when his party is people to enter local disempowerment that rose counties could run job chairman of East Midlands of organisations that affect the lives of so many people. widely regarded as being run politics. CLARKE to the fore among the Scots centres and NHS back office Councils. Disappointingly, however, that might not be the case. by toffs, the straight-talking Under LGA Conservative Leader, Rushcliffe BC during their independence processes. In among the excitement Looking back to when LGC published its most influential list in and clubbable Gary Porter group rules, Cllr Porter’s term Various government referendum campaign. At the LGA, Cllr Hodge is about devolution deals to 2011, we find that 12 women made the list whereas in 2014 only 11 cuts a refreshing figure. of office ends midway pronouncements leave one This all places Tories David deputy chair of the executive major cities, the two men will were included among the top 50. In 2011, women represented 24% Many have wondered what through 2015 but many eyes with the impression that Hodge, the County Councils board and the leadership play an important role in of the whole list; in 2014 that goes on in private meetings will be on him if the devolution is something Network’s chair, and Neil board, and chairs its people ensuring the devolution percentage had dropped to Some of the skills between the LGA vice- government seeks to blame that is reserved for cities Clarke, his counterpart at the and places board. debate continues to progress 21%. Further comparisons chairman and the council- councils for local ills in the alone. District Councils Network, in Cllr Clarke is the leader of and prevent the sector and reveal even greater changes. anticipated as being bashing communities run up to the general This is hardly goes down quite an interesting position. Rushcliffe BC who has called Whitehall from resting on its Local authority chief executives ‘ ‘critical to a secretary Eric Pickles. election. well in non-urban areas – They must use all of the force for greater responsibilities for laurels. made up 18 or 36% of the post-recessionary world names in 2011. Three years later – innovative thinking, this has slid to just 11 or 22% of the top 50. Taking the top 100 resilience, dynamism as a whole in 2014, chief and the ability not just executives represent only 18%. to determine strategy In 2011, the number one ranked person was the secretary but to successfully of state, Eric Pickles. The editor implement it – are of LGC at the time wrote: “Mr coming to the fore Pickles’ position in the next LGC50 list will be a test of his success. If his localism ambitions are realised, we would expect his top slot to go to a local leader and even more entries to come from local government.” Well, half of that prediction came to pass and the top slot did indeed go to a local leader. Mr Pickles, meanwhile, has seen his perceived influence on union’s local government This year, Ms Staite also a significant behind- local government in 2015 wane, reflected by his ranking of 15. 44 services group, has been a 45 co-wrote the authoritative 46 the-scenes figure in securing So, will we see proportionately more influence coming from vocal defender of council 2020 Vision report, in Greater Manchester’s outside of local government during 2015 than from within it? HEATHER workers facing redundancy, CATHERINE association with Grant SEAN HARRISS devolution deal, which many Looking ahead is notoriously difficult of course, especially in an WAKEFIELD increasing workloads and STAITE Thornton, which she Chief executive, will view as a testing ground election year, and only time will tell whether this is borne out. What Head of local cuts or freezes in pay. Director, Institute for presented at the Society of Bolton MBC for cities with greater is clear is that some of the skills that were anticipated as being government service She has also spoken out on Local Government Local Government Chief Sean Harriss has been chief autonomy. critical to a post-recessionary world – innovative thinking, resilience, group, Unison other issues facing local Studies, University of Executives & Senior Managers executive of Bolton MBC As well as being well dynamism and the ability not just to determine strategy but to government, strongly Birmingham conference last month. since 2007. He was thought of by the sector, Mr successfully implement it – are certainly coming to the fore in the During a period of extreme criticising suggestions that It predicted more previously executive director Harriss is valued by the LGC100. Being in the business of helping organisations find and pressure on local government local government might Catherine Staite is a thought devolution over the next five of strategy and resources at public. develop leaders, we look forward to a future that continues to see staff, Unison has co-ordinated outsource children’s services. leader in her position at the years and that the majority of Oldham MBC. The He was given an honorary these influencers rise to the top. strike action and negotiated Unison will undoubtedly seek Institute for Local Government economic growth will be metropolitan council has degree in public pay and pension deals with to raise the plight of local Studies (InLoGov), which was derived from the impact of been seen as a leader in administration by the SPONSORED AND SUPPLIED BY GATENBYSANDERSON central government. government workers as an described by the judges as “the housing, skills, jobs and mobile technology and in its University of Bolton for his Heather Wakefield, in her issue in the run-up to the spiritual home for many chief infrastructure investment on environmental services. outstanding contribution to position as head of the general election. executives”. local communities. The affable Mr Harriss was the local community.

16 Local Government Chronicle November 2014 LGCplus.com LGCplus.com November 2014 Local Government Chronicle 17 51 54 57 60 PETER ALEX THOMSON BORIS SIR STEVE FLEMING Chief executive, JOHNSON BULLOCK Chair, LGA Localis Mayor of London Mayor, Lewisham improvement board; A think tank that believes LBC leader, Sevenoaks DC power should be exercised Rumoured to want an even locally, Localis is independent bigger job after his expected Among the first elected Peter Fleming (Con) leads but its board consists entirely return to Parliament next year, mayors and so far Lewisham’s sector-led improvement, of Conservative councillors. Mr Johnson (Con) has only holder of that office, Sir which the LGA has persuaded Mr Thomson is thought to occasionally surprised, Steve (Lab) also is active on the government should have the ear of Tory ministers including supporting a the national scene, notably year. Never shying away from government “digital by replace the old inspection on localism. Parliamentary bill backing a having chaired the LGA 47 the hottest topics of the day, he 48 design”. regime. Successful support for formal constitutional status workforce programme board. has tackled in his work In an environment where struggling councils may help for local government. ED COX devolution to cities, economic CARL more and more councils aim avoid further Rotherhams, 55 Director, Institute for growth in the north of England, HAGGERTY to bring about “channel shift” determining whether 61 Public Policy the impact of the Scottish Digital in order to give the public devolution takes place. DONNA HALL 58 Chief executive, MATTHEW Research North referendum, local authority communications better access to services and NICK WALKLEY Ed Cox was identified by the transformation in an manager, Devon CC cut staffing costs, his work Wigan MBC TAYLOR judges as a leading analyst in environment of falling funding, could be significant over the 52 Joined Wigan in 2011 having Chief executive, Chief executive, Royal the sector, particularly citing his and combined authorities. As digital communications next few years. been shared chief executive of Haringey LBC Society for the “influential thinking about All of these are significant manager, Carl Haggerty is One judge said: “Carl is a DARRA SINGH Chorley and Wyre BCs. Ms He arrived at Labour Haringey Head of local public Encouragement of devolution”. Formerly a policy issues and Mr Cox is set to driving Devon CC’s driving force behind the Hall has been a key player in in 2012 from neighbouring Arts, Manufactures advisor at the Department for continue influencing the digitisation. He is also the digital reinvention of local services, EY Greater Manchester’s path to Tory Barnet during the latter’s Communities & Local thinking of leaders within the chair of LocalGov Digital, a government. He is also an The former Ealing LBC chief devolved powers. controversy about its and Commerce (RSA) Government to Hazel Blears sector over the next year network for local government active online social media executive chairs the LGA/ ‘easycouncil’ approach. Mr Mr Taylor has sought to place under Labour, Mr Cox has through his work for the digital professionals, which promoter of local Cipfa independent Walkley was previously a the RSA at the centre of produced several papers this IPPR. strives to make local government.” commission on local 56 seconded head of local debates on localism and government finance. He must government improvement at service delivery. He was chief prove his vision for council EAMONN the Department for adviser on political strategy to self-sufficiency is valid for BOYLAN Communities & Local former prime minister Tony more than prosperous Chief executive, Government. Blair. southern districts. Stockport MBC Former deputy chief executive 59 62 53 of the Homes & Communities Agency, Mr Boylan is Greater PAT RITCHIE PAUL JOHNSON CHARLIE Manchester’s lead chief Chief executive, Director, Institute for PARKER executive for housing, at a Newcastle City Fiscal Studies Chief executive, time it proposed 225,000 new Council Everyone’s ‘go to’ body for Westminster City homes over 20 years. A supporter of regional unbiased support for financial Council devolution and co-chair of the plans. Mr Johnson has been government’s Service IFS director since 2011, and Communities & Local Government governance Part of the west London Transformation Challenge was previously deputy head of 49 Government failed to 50 review in the aftermath of ‘Triborough’, though not a Panel, Ms Ritchie joined the Government Economic properly understand the Trojan Horse. shared chief, Mr Parker has Newcastle in 2012 having Service. SUE HIGGINS impact of cuts on councils or SIR ALBERT But the city has potential described his post as “the best been chief executive of the Executive leader, the fall in local government BORE and plans for a combined job in local government”. He Homes & Communities local services, spending power. Leader, Birmingham authority featuring it and was previously chief executive Agency. National Audit Office It warned that 52% of local City Council surrounding authorities have at Oldham MBC. The National Audit Office is authorities were not well- begun to be formed. Cllr Bore set to take on an even more placed to deliver medium- Sir Albert Bore (Lab) holds now faces the need to hold influential role in local term financial strategies. what some may regard as an together the area’s government in 2015, having The watchdog also became unenviable job of trying to metropolitan council and been involved in a number of involved in a wrangle with turn around Birmingham, prove that they will not be recent run-ins with ministers DCLG permanent secretary Sir which has long faced subservient to Birmingham relating to its work on local Bob Kerslake over its report into performance and financial in the new set-up. One judge services. the better care fund, which Sir problems and now faces a described Cllr Bore as a man The NAO last week said Bob said demonstrated a failure Department for who could influence the that the Department for to understand localism. Communities & Local Labour frontbench.

18 Local Government Chronicle November 2014 LGCplus.com LGCplus.com November 2014 Local Government Chronicle 19 51 54 57 60 PETER ALEX THOMSON BORIS SIR STEVE FLEMING Chief executive, JOHNSON BULLOCK Chair, LGA Localis Mayor of London Mayor, Lewisham improvement board; A think tank that believes LBC leader, Sevenoaks DC power should be exercised Rumoured to want an even locally, Localis is independent bigger job after his expected Among the first elected Peter Fleming (Con) leads but its board consists entirely return to Parliament next year, mayors and so far Lewisham’s sector-led improvement, of Conservative councillors. Mr Johnson (Con) has only holder of that office, Sir which the LGA has persuaded Mr Thomson is thought to occasionally surprised, Steve (Lab) also is active on the government should have the ear of Tory ministers including supporting a the national scene, notably year. Never shying away from government “digital by replace the old inspection on localism. Parliamentary bill backing a having chaired the LGA 47 the hottest topics of the day, he 48 design”. regime. Successful support for formal constitutional status workforce programme board. has tackled in his work In an environment where struggling councils may help for local government. ED COX devolution to cities, economic CARL more and more councils aim avoid further Rotherhams, 55 Director, Institute for growth in the north of England, HAGGERTY to bring about “channel shift” determining whether 61 Public Policy the impact of the Scottish Digital in order to give the public devolution takes place. DONNA HALL 58 Chief executive, MATTHEW Research North referendum, local authority communications better access to services and NICK WALKLEY Ed Cox was identified by the transformation in an manager, Devon CC cut staffing costs, his work Wigan MBC TAYLOR judges as a leading analyst in environment of falling funding, could be significant over the 52 Joined Wigan in 2011 having Chief executive, Chief executive, Royal the sector, particularly citing his and combined authorities. As digital communications next few years. been shared chief executive of Haringey LBC Society for the “influential thinking about All of these are significant manager, Carl Haggerty is One judge said: “Carl is a DARRA SINGH Chorley and Wyre BCs. Ms He arrived at Labour Haringey Head of local public Encouragement of devolution”. Formerly a policy issues and Mr Cox is set to driving Devon CC’s driving force behind the Hall has been a key player in in 2012 from neighbouring Arts, Manufactures advisor at the Department for continue influencing the digitisation. He is also the digital reinvention of local services, EY Greater Manchester’s path to Tory Barnet during the latter’s Communities & Local thinking of leaders within the chair of LocalGov Digital, a government. He is also an The former Ealing LBC chief devolved powers. controversy about its and Commerce (RSA) Government to Hazel Blears sector over the next year network for local government active online social media executive chairs the LGA/ ‘easycouncil’ approach. Mr Mr Taylor has sought to place under Labour, Mr Cox has through his work for the digital professionals, which promoter of local Cipfa independent Walkley was previously a the RSA at the centre of produced several papers this IPPR. strives to make local government.” commission on local 56 seconded head of local debates on localism and government finance. He must government improvement at service delivery. He was chief prove his vision for council EAMONN the Department for adviser on political strategy to self-sufficiency is valid for BOYLAN Communities & Local former prime minister Tony more than prosperous Chief executive, Government. Blair. southern districts. Stockport MBC Former deputy chief executive 59 62 53 of the Homes & Communities Agency, Mr Boylan is Greater PAT RITCHIE PAUL JOHNSON CHARLIE Manchester’s lead chief Chief executive, Director, Institute for PARKER executive for housing, at a Newcastle City Fiscal Studies Chief executive, time it proposed 225,000 new Council Everyone’s ‘go to’ body for Westminster City homes over 20 years. A supporter of regional unbiased support for financial Council devolution and co-chair of the plans. Mr Johnson has been government’s Service IFS director since 2011, and Communities & Local Government governance Part of the west London Transformation Challenge was previously deputy head of 49 Government failed to 50 review in the aftermath of ‘Triborough’, though not a Panel, Ms Ritchie joined the Government Economic properly understand the Trojan Horse. shared chief, Mr Parker has Newcastle in 2012 having Service. SUE HIGGINS impact of cuts on councils or SIR ALBERT But the city has potential described his post as “the best been chief executive of the Executive leader, the fall in local government BORE and plans for a combined job in local government”. He Homes & Communities local services, spending power. Leader, Birmingham authority featuring it and was previously chief executive Agency. National Audit Office It warned that 52% of local City Council surrounding authorities have at Oldham MBC. The National Audit Office is authorities were not well- begun to be formed. Cllr Bore set to take on an even more placed to deliver medium- Sir Albert Bore (Lab) holds now faces the need to hold influential role in local term financial strategies. what some may regard as an together the area’s government in 2015, having The watchdog also became unenviable job of trying to metropolitan council and been involved in a number of involved in a wrangle with turn around Birmingham, prove that they will not be recent run-ins with ministers DCLG permanent secretary Sir which has long faced subservient to Birmingham relating to its work on local Bob Kerslake over its report into performance and financial in the new set-up. One judge services. the better care fund, which Sir problems and now faces a described Cllr Bore as a man The NAO last week said Bob said demonstrated a failure Department for who could influence the that the Department for to understand localism. Communities & Local Labour frontbench.

18 Local Government Chronicle November 2014 LGCplus.com LGCplus.com November 2014 Local Government Chronicle 19 63 67 70 73 76 80 83 86 JOE ANDERSON SIR DEREK SIR MICHAEL JOHN KINGMAN KEITH SIMON HENIG ALEXANDRA RICHARD VIZE Mayor, Liverpool City MYERS LYONS Second permanent WAKEFIELD Leader, Durham CC JONES Writer and Council Co-chair Service Author of Labour’s secretary, the Leader, Leeds City Rising Labour star who also Chief executive, commentator A champion of greater city Transformation housing review Treasury Council chairs the North East Centre for Cities Former editor of both LGC autonomy, Mr Anderson (Lab) Challenge Panel A career civil servant who Combined Authority, which is and Health Service Journal, would “probably” run for Sir Michael has also been a rejoined the Treasury in 2012 Keith Wakefield (Lab) is also leading local government’s Leads the influential urban- Mr Vize’s recent publication, Liverpool city region mayor A key forward thinker in local Labour councillor, chief after a spell with banker the Core Cities’ cabinet attempts to re-regulate bus focussed think tank, which The Revolution Will Be were the post created. government, who will help executive of Birmingham City Rothchilds, Mr Kingman’s role member for employment, services. Cllr Henig (Lab) led has produced evidence to Improvised, advocates a However, fellow leaders shape how future savings are Council and BBC chair, and includes overseeing the skills and welfare, where he will Durham to LGC’s Council of support cities having more whole-system approach to rejected him to chair the found. He is former shared wrote a well-received – though Treasury’s economics oversee the HS3 rail line. He the Year award this year. powers and autonomy to budget reductions while current combined authority. chief executive of Kensington little acted upon – 2007 report functions, financial services, opposes government plans for spend without central delivering essential services. & Chelsea RBC and on the future of local growth and infrastructure. more elected mayors. government restrictions. Hammersmith & Fulham LBC. government. 81 Formerly with the Institute for 64 Public Policy Research. 87 74 77 RUTH DOMBEY JON CRUDDAS 68 71 Leader, Sutton LBC HUGH GROVER Labour policy review DEBORAH GAVIN JONES Ruth Dombey’s (Lib Dem) 84 Director of collective chief JON ROUSE JULIAN LE CADMAN Chief executive, party gained seats on a record pension investment, Put in charge of rethinking Director general for GRAND Chief executive, Swindon BC of attention to environmental GEORGE London Councils Labour policy after its 2010 social care, Professor of social Suffolk CC Swindon’s rock guitarist chief issues when Lib Dems were be FERGUSON Mr Grover has driven the defeat, Mr Cruddas wrote in a Department of policy, London executive has held his post ing massacred elsewhere last Mayor, Bristol City creation of London Councils’ review introduction: “Our best Health School of Economics Took over Suffolk in 2011 since 2006 during which it has May. Sutton was among the Council collective investment vehicle council leaders are already following the collapse of moved from being one of local first councils to revive the for the capital’s local building power and A former Croydon LBC chief A social policy polymath, he planned mass outsourcing. government’s worst committee system. The only mayor created from government pension funds, participation at a local level.” executive, his role is to wrote official reports on the Ms Cadman has pioneered performers to among the high the 11 referendums in 2012, the first of its kind. Funds are support health and wellbeing troubled children’s services at integration between the achievers. Mr Ferguson (Ind) seeks sovereign but investments are boards to apply for the better Birmingham City Council and county council and its 82 greater devolution to cities pooled. 65 care fund money and he has Doncaster MBC, and on new districts and is Solace’s and has secured Bristol campaigned for better models of commissioning in spokesperson on leadership 78 JIM O’NEILL, European Green Capital status CLIVE BETTS support for carers. children’s social care. and learning. Chair RSA, in 2015. 88 Chair, communities MARTIN Commission on City and local government CRESSWELL Growth PAUL O’BRIEN select committee 69 72 75 Chief executive, A former Goldman Sachs chief 85 Chief executive, As chair of the Commons Impower economist with banking Association for Public committee most focused LORD SHIPLEY SHARON ANDREW background, Mancunian Mr SIR BOB Service Excellence towards local government, Mr Deputy chair, TAYLOR RIDLEY Impower is seen as a major O’Neill’s commission called in KERSLAKE APSE has devised the Betts (Lab) has grilled Regional Growth Leader, Stevenage BC Programme director, player in hot topics such as its report for local authorities Permanent secretary, ‘ensuring council’ model ministers on suspicions of Fund Independent better care fund, demand management and to create a ‘persuasive agenda’ Department for adopted by Derbyshire CC their centralist tendencies and Advisory Panel Districts are not Labour’s NHS England children’s services, having for devolution to cities. Communities & Local and Lancaster City Council, urged reform of council tax strongest ground, but Ms worked with Doncaster MBC, Government which offers an alternative bands. A former leader of Newcastle Taylor (Lab), vice-chair of Mr Ridley has been seconded Birmingham City Council and vision for how authorities can City Council, Lord Shipley (Lib District Councils Network, has to head a joint team from Haringey LBC. Due to retire in February, work with communities to Dem) has worked with Lord been an effective voice for it health, local government and former Sheffield City Council navigate challenges. 66 Heseltine to negotiate there. She will fight Stevenage Whitehall to run this £3.8bn chief executive Sir Bob has allocations of the local growth at May’s parliamentary programme to promote local 79 one last big job in reviewing SIMON PARKER fund and is a keen supporter election. integration of health and Birmingham City Council’s Director, New Local of city deals and city regions. social care. PATRICK governance following the Government Network MCLOUGHLIN Trojan Horse controversy. New Labour’s favourite think Transport secretary tank on local issues, NLGN still produces interesting An enthusiastic proponent of ideas, including a recent high speed rail and relaxed attack on unitary about letting councils – within reorganisation. Mr Parker is a limits – influence local trains, former fellow at the Institute Mr McLoughlin (Con) has for Government. grasped that councils might just know their own transport needs.

20 Local Government Chronicle November 2014 LGCplus.com LGCplus.com November 2014 Local Government Chronicle 21 63 67 70 73 76 80 83 86 JOE ANDERSON SIR DEREK SIR MICHAEL JOHN KINGMAN KEITH SIMON HENIG ALEXANDRA RICHARD VIZE Mayor, Liverpool City MYERS LYONS Second permanent WAKEFIELD Leader, Durham CC JONES Writer and Council Co-chair Service Author of Labour’s secretary, the Leader, Leeds City Rising Labour star who also Chief executive, commentator A champion of greater city Transformation housing review Treasury Council chairs the North East Centre for Cities Former editor of both LGC autonomy, Mr Anderson (Lab) Challenge Panel A career civil servant who Combined Authority, which is and Health Service Journal, would “probably” run for Sir Michael has also been a rejoined the Treasury in 2012 Keith Wakefield (Lab) is also leading local government’s Leads the influential urban- Mr Vize’s recent publication, Liverpool city region mayor A key forward thinker in local Labour councillor, chief after a spell with banker the Core Cities’ cabinet attempts to re-regulate bus focussed think tank, which The Revolution Will Be were the post created. government, who will help executive of Birmingham City Rothchilds, Mr Kingman’s role member for employment, services. Cllr Henig (Lab) led has produced evidence to Improvised, advocates a However, fellow leaders shape how future savings are Council and BBC chair, and includes overseeing the skills and welfare, where he will Durham to LGC’s Council of support cities having more whole-system approach to rejected him to chair the found. He is former shared wrote a well-received – though Treasury’s economics oversee the HS3 rail line. He the Year award this year. powers and autonomy to budget reductions while current combined authority. chief executive of Kensington little acted upon – 2007 report functions, financial services, opposes government plans for spend without central delivering essential services. & Chelsea RBC and on the future of local growth and infrastructure. more elected mayors. government restrictions. Hammersmith & Fulham LBC. government. 81 Formerly with the Institute for 64 Public Policy Research. 87 74 77 RUTH DOMBEY JON CRUDDAS 68 71 Leader, Sutton LBC HUGH GROVER Labour policy review DEBORAH GAVIN JONES Ruth Dombey’s (Lib Dem) 84 Director of collective chief JON ROUSE JULIAN LE CADMAN Chief executive, party gained seats on a record pension investment, Put in charge of rethinking Director general for GRAND Chief executive, Swindon BC of attention to environmental GEORGE London Councils Labour policy after its 2010 social care, Professor of social Suffolk CC Swindon’s rock guitarist chief issues when Lib Dems were be FERGUSON Mr Grover has driven the defeat, Mr Cruddas wrote in a Department of policy, London executive has held his post ing massacred elsewhere last Mayor, Bristol City creation of London Councils’ review introduction: “Our best Health School of Economics Took over Suffolk in 2011 since 2006 during which it has May. Sutton was among the Council collective investment vehicle council leaders are already following the collapse of moved from being one of local first councils to revive the for the capital’s local building power and A former Croydon LBC chief A social policy polymath, he planned mass outsourcing. government’s worst committee system. The only mayor created from government pension funds, participation at a local level.” executive, his role is to wrote official reports on the Ms Cadman has pioneered performers to among the high the 11 referendums in 2012, the first of its kind. Funds are support health and wellbeing troubled children’s services at integration between the achievers. Mr Ferguson (Ind) seeks sovereign but investments are boards to apply for the better Birmingham City Council and county council and its 82 greater devolution to cities pooled. 65 care fund money and he has Doncaster MBC, and on new districts and is Solace’s and has secured Bristol campaigned for better models of commissioning in spokesperson on leadership 78 JIM O’NEILL, European Green Capital status CLIVE BETTS support for carers. children’s social care. and learning. Chair RSA, in 2015. 88 Chair, communities MARTIN Commission on City and local government CRESSWELL Growth PAUL O’BRIEN select committee 69 72 75 Chief executive, A former Goldman Sachs chief 85 Chief executive, As chair of the Commons Impower economist with banking Association for Public committee most focused LORD SHIPLEY SHARON ANDREW background, Mancunian Mr SIR BOB Service Excellence towards local government, Mr Deputy chair, TAYLOR RIDLEY Impower is seen as a major O’Neill’s commission called in KERSLAKE APSE has devised the Betts (Lab) has grilled Regional Growth Leader, Stevenage BC Programme director, player in hot topics such as its report for local authorities Permanent secretary, ‘ensuring council’ model ministers on suspicions of Fund Independent better care fund, demand management and to create a ‘persuasive agenda’ Department for adopted by Derbyshire CC their centralist tendencies and Advisory Panel Districts are not Labour’s NHS England children’s services, having for devolution to cities. Communities & Local and Lancaster City Council, urged reform of council tax strongest ground, but Ms worked with Doncaster MBC, Government which offers an alternative bands. A former leader of Newcastle Taylor (Lab), vice-chair of Mr Ridley has been seconded Birmingham City Council and vision for how authorities can City Council, Lord Shipley (Lib District Councils Network, has to head a joint team from Haringey LBC. Due to retire in February, work with communities to Dem) has worked with Lord been an effective voice for it health, local government and former Sheffield City Council navigate challenges. 66 Heseltine to negotiate there. She will fight Stevenage Whitehall to run this £3.8bn chief executive Sir Bob has allocations of the local growth at May’s parliamentary programme to promote local 79 one last big job in reviewing SIMON PARKER fund and is a keen supporter election. integration of health and Birmingham City Council’s Director, New Local of city deals and city regions. social care. PATRICK governance following the Government Network MCLOUGHLIN Trojan Horse controversy. New Labour’s favourite think Transport secretary tank on local issues, NLGN still produces interesting An enthusiastic proponent of ideas, including a recent high speed rail and relaxed attack on unitary about letting councils – within reorganisation. Mr Parker is a limits – influence local trains, former fellow at the Institute Mr McLoughlin (Con) has for Government. grasped that councils might just know their own transport needs.

20 Local Government Chronicle November 2014 LGCplus.com LGCplus.com November 2014 Local Government Chronicle 21 FINDING A JOB 89 92 95 98 DAVID FINCH DOROTHY NAN SLOANE DOMINIC WITH A DIFFERENCE Leader, Essex CC THORNHILL Director, Centre for CAMPBELL An outspoken leader who has Mayor, Watford BC Women and Founder, Futuregov called for council tax rises, Democracy IS ONE THING rejecting government’s freeze Former teacher Dorothy Nan Sloane has provided an An early advocate of social grant, David Finch (Con) Thornhill (Lib Dem) has been evidence base on gender media for councils, and of advocated county health and mayor since the post’s inequality in local government how they should respond to it, care commissioners and inception in 2002, and will positions of power and kept Dominic Campbell’s warned that the Care Act fight Watford at the general the issue on political agenda, Futuregov works with councils would be “Armageddon” for election. If elected she intends including through the annual on using technology to drive councils. to serve her remaining year as Sex and Power report. service delivery change. MAKING A DIFFERENCE mayor. 90 96 99 PETER HAY 93 TONY HUNTER LORD FREUD IS ANOTHER Strategic director for KRIS HOPKINS Chief executive, Welfare reform people, Birmingham Local government Social Care Institute minister, Department City Council minister for Excellence for Work & Pensions At the centre of controversies Former Bradford City Council Former North East Lord Freud (Con) is over the city’s children’s leader, Kris Hopkins (Con) Lincolnshire Council chief responsible for many of services, Peter Hay led the had courted controversy executive Tony Hunter now politics’ hottest potatoes, council through intense having opposed chancellor heads SCIE, which is both an including the implementation government scrutiny and the George Osborne’s enthusiasm improvement support agency of universal credit, changes to Trojan Horse affair, and for elected mayors, opposed and a charity working with housing benefit and the oversaw merger of with adult unitary reorganisations and adult and child care and benefits cap. services in 2013. been outspoken on tackling support services. child abuse in Rotherham. 100 91 97 94 BECKY SHAW BRANDON CAROLINE Chief executive, East LEWIS RICHARD TAPSTER Sussex CC Congratulations to all those influencing and shaping the Housing and HUMPHRIES Director of health In post since 2010, Becky future of Local Government, from all at GatenbySanderson, planning minister Senior fellow, social and wellbeing system Shaw’s responsibilities include care, King’s Fund improvement, LGA dealing with the county’s role Former Brentwood BC leader, in the mammoth South East the leading executive recruiter across the Public Sector. Brandon Lewis (Con) was A specialist in the vexed Caroline Tapster has led the Local Enterprise Partnership. local government minister question of integrating social LGA’s work on health and Ms Shaw is also Solace’s until July, during which time care and health and how it wellbeing boards, key bodies deputy leadership and If you are looking for someone to make a difference in your he faced criticism from the might save money. He is a in moving to integrated health learning spokesperson. sector for proposing a former director of social and social care. She is a organisation or would simply like some advice on your disputed reorganisation of the services and housing for former chief executive of Local Government Pension Herefordshire CC. Hertfordshire CC. leadership team, then call Martin Tucker, Joint Managing Scheme. Partner on 0121 644 5708 or email [email protected]

GatenbySanderson

22 Local Government Chronicle November 2014 LGCplus.com FINDING A JOB 89 92 95 98 DAVID FINCH DOROTHY NAN SLOANE DOMINIC WITH A DIFFERENCE Leader, Essex CC THORNHILL Director, Centre for CAMPBELL An outspoken leader who has Mayor, Watford BC Women and Founder, Futuregov called for council tax rises, Democracy IS ONE THING rejecting government’s freeze Former teacher Dorothy Nan Sloane has provided an An early advocate of social grant, David Finch (Con) Thornhill (Lib Dem) has been evidence base on gender media for councils, and of advocated county health and mayor since the post’s inequality in local government how they should respond to it, care commissioners and inception in 2002, and will positions of power and kept Dominic Campbell’s warned that the Care Act fight Watford at the general the issue on political agenda, Futuregov works with councils would be “Armageddon” for election. If elected she intends including through the annual on using technology to drive councils. to serve her remaining year as Sex and Power report. service delivery change. MAKING A DIFFERENCE mayor. 90 96 99 PETER HAY 93 TONY HUNTER LORD FREUD IS ANOTHER Strategic director for KRIS HOPKINS Chief executive, Welfare reform people, Birmingham Local government Social Care Institute minister, Department City Council minister for Excellence for Work & Pensions At the centre of controversies Former Bradford City Council Former North East Lord Freud (Con) is over the city’s children’s leader, Kris Hopkins (Con) Lincolnshire Council chief responsible for many of services, Peter Hay led the had courted controversy executive Tony Hunter now politics’ hottest potatoes, council through intense having opposed chancellor heads SCIE, which is both an including the implementation government scrutiny and the George Osborne’s enthusiasm improvement support agency of universal credit, changes to Trojan Horse affair, and for elected mayors, opposed and a charity working with housing benefit and the oversaw merger of with adult unitary reorganisations and adult and child care and benefits cap. services in 2013. been outspoken on tackling support services. child abuse in Rotherham. 100 91 97 94 BECKY SHAW BRANDON CAROLINE Chief executive, East LEWIS RICHARD TAPSTER Sussex CC Congratulations to all those influencing and shaping the Housing and HUMPHRIES Director of health In post since 2010, Becky future of Local Government, from all at GatenbySanderson, planning minister Senior fellow, social and wellbeing system Shaw’s responsibilities include care, King’s Fund improvement, LGA dealing with the county’s role Former Brentwood BC leader, in the mammoth South East the leading executive recruiter across the Public Sector. Brandon Lewis (Con) was A specialist in the vexed Caroline Tapster has led the Local Enterprise Partnership. local government minister question of integrating social LGA’s work on health and Ms Shaw is also Solace’s until July, during which time care and health and how it wellbeing boards, key bodies deputy leadership and If you are looking for someone to make a difference in your he faced criticism from the might save money. He is a in moving to integrated health learning spokesperson. sector for proposing a former director of social and social care. She is a organisation or would simply like some advice on your disputed reorganisation of the services and housing for former chief executive of Local Government Pension Herefordshire CC. Hertfordshire CC. leadership team, then call Martin Tucker, Joint Managing Scheme. Partner on 0121 644 5708 or email [email protected]

GatenbySanderson

22 Local Government Chronicle November 2014 LGCplus.com