No.641 November 2019 www.local.gov.uk

the magazine for local government

Interview “Domestic abuse will never be top of anyone’s list if it’s not a statutory responsibility” Dame Vera Baird QC, Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales 22

10 15 16 Brighter futures Paying the rent The Queen’s Speech Children’s services: Campaign to Putting devolution more than keeping increase local back on the children safe housing allowances agenda? Recycling export markets. Don’t get caught out.

China is set to ban all fibre imports by 2020 with other countries implementing tighter quality requirements. UK paper mills and the global export market need quality paper and card collected separately from other material. Local authorities undertaking co-mingled collections are at risk from increased costs of up to £500,000 a year to deal with the problem of increased contamination and reduced revenues. Find out how we’re helping local authorities improve paper and card recycling at ourpaper.org

Let’s get paper and card sorted Queen’sxxxxx Speech contents he fi rst Queen’s TSpeech in just over two years has put devolution back on the agenda. news features interview It set out plans for White 4 Delayed 10 Bright futures 22 Dame Vera Baird QC, Papers on adult social care transfers of care Victims’ Commissioner and devolution, and included 26 bills – several 11 Care leavers of interest to councils (see p5, p16-17, p26). Modern slavery 12 Adult social care “You shouldn’t Elsewhere in this month’s fi rst, we 5 Queen’s Speech 13 #OurDay tweetathon talk about crime take a look at the key issues facing and anti-social Loan rate rise 14 Regenerating children’s services (p10) and adult social behaviour as if the care (p12), ahead of the National Children EU funding communities second is a lesser and Adult Services Conference in replacement 15 Local housing version of the first” Bournemouth in November. 6 Climate change allowance The LGA is supporting a campaign to review local housing allowance levels, so that Full fi bre broadband 16 Queen’s Speech benefi ts such as housing benefi t and Member survey 18 Electric cars Universal Credit cover the actual costs of the 19 Night-time economy cheapest private sector rents in all areas (p15). We have features on charging points 20 Local Government for electric cars (p18), and how to manage Challenge you town centre at night to encourage 21 Loneliness data visitors and support local businesses (p19). Our interview this month is with Dame Vera Baird, the recently appointed Victims’ 5 Commissioner (p22-23), while Local Government Ombudsman Michael King looks at how councillors can use complaints data to improve scrutiny of local services (p30). You can also hear from Cllr David Williams, Leader of the County Councils Network, ahead of its annual conference in November (p25). 22 Cllr James Jamieson is LGA Chairman 19 Editor Karen Thornton Design & print CPL www.cpl.co.uk Advertising [email protected] Write to fi rst: Local Government Association 18 Smith Square, London SW1P 3HZ 8 Email fi [email protected] 30 Tel editorial 020 7664 3294 Tel advertising 01223 378 045 Photography Getty Images and iStock.com unless otherwise stated. Cover Andrew Baker

Circulation 17,900 (October 2019) fi rst is published online at www.local.gov.uk/fi rst at least two days before the magazine. To unsubscribe email fi [email protected]

The inclusion of an advert or insert in fi rst does not imply endorsement by the LGA of any product, event or service. Contributors’ 7 B&B spending 29 views are their own and do not necessarily Buses and refl ect the opinions or policies of the LGA. comment infrastructure 25 County Councils Toxic skin creams Network regulars 8 Planning changes 26 LGA chairman and 30 Councillor – using Special needs group leaders complaints in scrutiny Extremism 29 Children’s services 31 Local elections

November 2019 first contents | 3 news

Care services help cut Child slavery hospital bed delays referrals up Adult social care services have helped save “Thanks to the hard work of councils’ eight-fold more than half a million bed days over the social care teams, the NHS has seen delayed past two years, by ensuring that people fi t transfers of care attributable to social care eferrals by English councils of potential child to leave hospital, but who need follow-on fall dramatically. Rvictims of modern slavery have soared by support, are able to do so safely and on time. “This means more people living 800 per cent in fi ve years, the LGA has warned. The Government provided an additional independently, much-needed beds freed It said the spiralling referral rates are being £2 billion for care services in the 2017 Spring up for those who urgently need them and fuelled by an increasing awareness of modern Budget, through the improved Better Care pressure reduced on the NHS. slavery and the growing issue of young Fund (iBCF). This was used to help meet adult “This is clear evidence of the human value people being exploited by county lines drugs social care needs and support the local care of investing in the social care services that gangs, which is putting council services under provider market. It also set councils targets for support millions of people every day and the increasing and signifi cant pressure. reducing delayed transfers of care attributable vital role it can play in alleviating pressure on Latest National Crime Agency statistics to social care. LGA analysis shows there was the health service.” show the number of council referrals of a reduction of 513,773 days in such delays He added: “Extra funding next year will suspected child victims to the National between July 2017 and June 2019, freeing up help, but pressures will continue to rise until Referral Mechanism (NRM) – the UK’s hospital beds and improving people’s lives by a long-term, sustainable funding solution for framework for referring and supporting making sure they did not stay on wards for adult social care is found that allows councils victims – has risen from 127 in 2014 to longer than necessary. There was a 40 per cent to focus equally on preventing people going 1,152 in 2018, up 807 per cent. reduction in the average number of people to hospital in the fi rst place.” The rate of these child referrals has delayed per day, while the NHS reduced its ● Despite funding pressures, quality ratings increased by 67 per cent in a year, from 690 in own delayed days by 17 per cent. across social care have been maintained 2017, with children accounting for 92 per cent Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Chairman of the LGA’s overall, with 84 per cent of providers now of all referrals made by English councils in 2018. Community Wellbeing Board, said: “No council rated as good or outstanding, according The LGA is warning that the rapid year- wants to see someone stay in hospital for a to the Care Quality Commission’s annual on-year increase in child referrals is further day longer than necessary. State of Care report. evidence of the current huge pressures on children’s services. Alongside that, the rising number of adult victims is adding to demand for housing and adult social care. No specifi c funding is given to councils to support victims of modern slavery, who may have suff ered terrible abuse, been forced to live in squalor and, in the case of many adult victims, been paid shockingly low wages as a result of exploitation by criminal gangs. The LGA is urging the Government to use next year’s Spending Review to ensure there is long-term and sustainable funding to help tackle modern slavery and support its victims. Cllr Simon Blackburn, Chair of the LGA’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board, said: “Extra funding next year will help but government needs to ensure councils have adequate long-term resources to tackle this abuse and support its victims, as well as creating a sustainable NRM system in the long term.”

4 | first news www.local.gov.uk Call for EU funding certainty

ouncils urgently need to know how the UK Cwill replace billions of pounds of vital EU regional aid funding, the LGA has warned. The Government committed to consulting on its plans for a successor scheme – the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) – in July 2018. More recently, it said it would “set out its commitment” to the fund in an English Devolution White Paper, announced in the Devolution and social Queen’s Speech. EU funding has been a lifeline for local economies, but without replacement funding, care in Queen’s Speech communities could miss out on millions of pounds of additional private investment. White Papers on English devolution and adult The promise of a White Paper on adult Local areas have put the £5.3 billion they social care were among the announcements social care comes after the LGA published its have received from the EU since 2014 to in the Queen’s Speech, as the Government own green paper last year. good use , providing targeted training and job set out its legislative proposals for the next Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Chairman of the LGA’s support for residents and businesses, especially parliamentary session. Community Wellbeing Board, said: “The for vulnerable groups that experience There were also new bills proposed on Government’s proposals on the future of adult additional barriers to accessing the workplace. building safety, the environment, serious social care need to be substantive and must The LGA wants elected mayors and local violence, sentencing, the NHS, health service be brought forward as soon as possible. We leaders to have the opportunity to help co- safety investigations, broadband and trade, know what the issues are – now is the time for design the UKSPF, ensuring any future growth while the Domestic Abuse Bill was carried answers.” funding is more accessible, based on local forward from the last parliament. Responding to plans for a Building need and distributed over the longer term. The Queen’s Speech (see p16) also Safety Bill, Lord Porter, the LGA’s Building Cllr Kevin Bentley, Chairman of the committed to ensuring that all young people Safety Spokesman, said: “Reform of our LGA’s Brexit Taskforce, said: “Councils have an excellent education. But there was broken building safety system cannot come desperately need long-term certainty no mention of the urgent challenges facing soon enough. around how the UK will replace vital EU children’s social care services (see p10). “The new system must be properly regional aid funding. A fully funded, locally With no new devolution deals agreed in funded, and residents have to be able to raise driven UKSPF is central to improving the past two years, LGA Chairman Cllr James concerns and know they will be listened to.” people’s lives, supporting local businesses Jamieson said councils would want to work ● Chancellor Sajid Javid has announced he and boosting the national economy. with government on how to reignite the will deliver his fi rst Budget on 6 November, “Without further clarity, growth and process. He added: “It is encouraging that subject to progress on Brexit, which was on- investment in local areas is at risk. the Queen’s Speech has signalled a renewed going as fi rst went to press. The LGA will be “Councils want to work with the energy in favour of English devolution. Taking making a submission on behalf of members, Government to ensure the UKSPF is developed decisions over how to run local services closer by the 30 October deadline. Please help us quickly and to make sure no area is left without to where people live is key to improving them by emailing your council’s submission to investment into their communities and all parts and saving money.” fi [email protected] of the country can benefi t from the growth they so desperately need.” New homes at risk from loan rate rise ousing, regeneration and infrastructure United Kingdom Debt Management Offi ce, Hprojects across the country could be an executive agency of HM Treasury. Its cancelled after the Treasury unexpectedly function is to lend money from the National raised borrowing costs from the Public Works Loans Fund to local authorities and to collect Loans Board by one percentage point. the repayments. The LGA said the move could cost councils In a letter to chief fi nance offi cers, the an extra £70 million a year for borrowing. Treasury’s local government and reform team It has expressed concerns over the impact says the interest rate rise is in response to some this will have on the fi nancial viability of local authorities substantially increasing their capital schemes . use of the PWLB in recent months, as the cost A spokesperson said: “It presents a real of borrowing has fallen to record lows. risk that capital schemes, including vital It adds: “The Government will monitor the council house building projects, will cease to impact of this change and keep rates policy be aff ordable and may have to be cancelled under review. As always, the Government will as a result.” continue to work with individual authorities on The Public Works Loan Board (PWLB) a case-by-case basis if they have concerns over is a statutory body operating within the their fi nancial position.”

November 2019 first news | 5 news in brief Top award for council housing

street of council-owned terrace houses A in Norwich has won the Stirling Prize for the best new building in the UK – the fi rst time it has gone to social housing. The 93 homes in Goldsmith Street have been built to Passivhaus standards – ultra-low energy buildings that need minimal fuel for heating or cooling. Cllr Gail Harris, Norwich City Council’s ‘Empower councils to Cabinet Member for Social Housing, said: “Winning this prestigious award shows that it is possible to build fantastic new council homes, lead on climate change’ despite the challenges posed by central government cuts and restrictions around Right Local government will need further powers “Councils want to lead the environmental to Buy receipts.” and sustainable funding to deliver national improvement agenda, but national climate policies that have an impact on climate change expectations and air quality targets are change locally, the LGA has warned. unlikely to be met unless councils are given Councils have been working on various long-term funding, devolved powers and easier Membership successful initiatives – including incorporating access to complex government funding pots.” sustainability issues into their local development Cllr Renard reiterated the LGA’s off er to set survey plans – to tackle climate change, with many of up a joint national taskforce, comprising local them working towards being zero carbon. At leaders and relevant government departments, he LGA wants to know what you – its least 230 councils in the UK, along with the LGA, to determine the funding, legislation and policy T members – think of the work it is have declared a climate emergency. In a new changes needed to deliver zero net carbon doing on your behalf, to help inform its Environment Bill, announced in the Queen’s emissions by 2030. future plans. It has commissioned BMG Speech, the Government is proposing to “A joint national taskforce led by councils Research to undertake its ‘perceptions’ strengthen local powers in relation to air quality would harness the critical partnership between survey, and is urging councillors enforcement, and to set up an independent local and national government to coordinate approached by researchers to share their regulator to scrutinise environmental policy and and drive climate change action for the benefi t views on the LGA’s off er and current law and take enforcement action. of communities, the country and the planet,” provision, communications and methods Cllr David Renard, the LGA’s Environment he said. of engagement, and the support off ered Spokesman, said: “We will work with the ● Wiltshire Council has topped a table of the to member councils via sector-led Government to ensure that the Environment most climate-friendly councils in England and improvement. The survey will only take Bill and Offi ce for Environmental Protection Wales, based on research by Friends of the Earth, around 15 minutes to complete and will are eff ective in addressing the concerns which called on councils to do more to cut run until late November. Please contact of communities. carbon emissions and tackle climate change. [email protected] to book an appointment. If you have any queries about this research, please email [email protected] More funding for fast broadband ard-to-reach areas of the country could Cllr Kevin Bentley, Chairman of the LGA’s Hhave better internet access as the People and Places Board, said: “It is good that Finance Government has pledged to spend £5 billion the Government has pledged to invest in on high-speed, full-fi bre broadband. providing full-fi bre broadband in hard-to-reach consultation The Chancellor’s pledge was reaffi rmed areas. Councils have long called for funding during the Queen’s Speech, with a promise and support to bridge the digital connectivity he Government has published a technical to accelerate the delivery of fast, reliable gap so that rural communities are not left T consultation on the local government and secure broadband networks to millions behind. Poor digital connectivity threatens the fi nance settlement for 2020/21. It sets out how it of homes. future success and prosperity of rural areas and will allocate the additional funding announced The Government has also committed therefore the UK as a whole.” in September’s one-year Spending Round, to amending legislation so that building He added: “Equally important is a decent including £1.5 billion extra for children’s and regulations require all new-build developments mobile connection. With access patchy in adults’ social care. The document also sets out to have the infrastructure necessary to support some areas, it is critical the Government the current position on fi nance reforms, such as super-fast, gigabit-capable connections. ensures good mobile coverage nationwide. increasing business rates retention, and council The LGA has been making the case for This is why we are calling on the Government tax. The consultation closes on 31 October, see councils to have this statutory backing, as to work with Ofcom to launch a rural mobile www.gov.uk/government/consultations/ currently they have no power to require roaming scheme allowing customers to local-government-fi nance-settlement-2020- developers take digital infrastructure into roam onto any available network should 4G to-2021-technical-consultation account when designing new homes. coverage not reach 95 per cent by 2022.”

6 | first news www.local.gov.uk Spending on B&Bs rockets New LGA analysis has found that councils becoming homeless, by restoring local housing are having to spend nearly 10 times as much allowance rates to at least the 30th percentile on placing homeless households in ‘bed and of rents when the current freeze ends in 2020 breakfast’ accommodation as they were a (see p15). decade ago, because of rising demand for Councils in England directly built 2,550 support and a shortage of homes. homes in 2018/19 – the highest fi gure since Councils only use ‘B&Bs’ as a last resort, but 1992/93 – but the LGA warns this risks being the continued loss of social housing is leaving undermined by councils only being able to many with no alternative in which to house replace a quarter of homes sold under Right homeless families. to Buy. Reform of Right to Buy is needed so Latest fi gures show that councils in that councils can set discounts locally and England were forced to spend £93.3 million retain 100 per cent of receipts to reinvest in on B&B accommodation in 2017/18 – up from replacing homes. £10.6 million in 2009/10. Cllr David Renard, the LGA’s Housing There are currently 7,040 households in Spokesperson, said: “This analysis shows that, B&Bs – up from 2,450 a decade ago. sadly, many councils are exhausting all their The LGA is calling on the Government to options and are having little choice but to use give councils long-term funding to reduce B&Bs more and more. homelessness and prevent it happening in “Not only is this far from ideal for families, the fi rst place, as well as the powers to build it is very expensive for councils. They would New investment more aff ordable housing and to replace homes much rather use these scarce resources to being sold under Right to Buy. build more aff ordable homes and prevent in bus and It also says the Government needs to adapt people from becoming homeless in the welfare reforms to protect families at risk of fi rst place.” road networks

he Chancellor has set out a series of Tmeasures to boost investment in roads Warning over toxic skin creams and buses. A new bus strategy will see the Government he LGA is warning people to avoid toxic fatal liver and kidney damage. Mercury can cause invest £220 million in services across England, Tskin lightening creams that increase the similar life-threatening health problems. which will fund new ‘super bus’ networks and risk of cancer, after recent seizures of dangerous Amid funding pressures and demand for expand the number of low-emission vehicles. products by councils. services, councils have been forced to reduce Sajid Javid also revealed the fi rst projects Criminals are exploiting a soaring market in trading standards budgets by around half since to be included in the Government’s road skin lightening creams by making inferior illegal 2010. The LGA said councils need a long-term, investment strategy. products that are being sold by rogue retailers, sustainable funding settlement in next year’s Cllr David Renard, the LGA’s Transport online and at car boot sales and market stalls, Spending Review so they can adequately Spokesman, said: “With the number of bus often at low prices. Many of the toxic creams provide the vital trading standards services that journeys at the lowest level in more than a contain the bleaching agent hydroquinone – keep residents safe. decade, a national bus strategy is an important described as the biological equivalent of paint Cllr Simon Blackburn, Chair of the LGA’s Safer step towards improving local bus services. stripper – while others can include potentially and Stronger Communities Board, said: “Councils “While the £220 million earmarked to deadly levels of mercury. But the illegal products have been targeting rogue retailers selling these improve bus services will help, for it to succeed, typically list their often harmful ingredients banned creams and people should report any it has to be backed by ongoing fi nancial support incorrectly, putting consumers at risk. concerns so that town halls can take action to local areas. Hydroquinone can remove the top layer of to prevent anyone from buying these lotions, “Councils face a £652 million funding gap in skin, increasing the risk of skin cancer and causing potentially ruining their looks forever.” providing the concessionary bus fare scheme, which is putting nearly half of all bus routes at risk. It is vital this scheme is properly funded so councils can protect bus routes and reinvest in local networks.” In respect of roads, he added: “The Government spends 43 times per mile more on maintaining our national roads – which make up just 3 per cent of all roads – than on local roads, which are controlled by councils and make up 97 per cent of England’s road network “With councils facing a £9 billion local roads repair backlog, we also need to see government investment in national roads matched by at least the same investment in local roads, if we are to make the long-term improvements our country’s road networks desperately need.”

November 2019 first news | 7 news in brief Concerns over Extremism call planning reforms he independent Commission for T Countering Extremism has called for Developers will be able to extend buildings a complete overhaul of the Government’s upwards without planning permission, extremism strategy, and for it to take a “robust, under changes to permitted development victim-centred and rights-based approach”. rules announced by the Government. Cllr Simon Blackburn, Chair of the LGA’s Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick MP said Safer and Stronger Communities Board, said the reforms would make the planning system the commission’s report “rightly recognises “faster and more effi cient” and give families the importance of councils and their ongoing “greater freedom to extend their homes to work in tackling extremism and promoting meet their changing needs”. cohesion”, and called for the voice of local But the LGA is concerned the changes will government to be heard in its proposals for a take away the ability of local communities to taskforce to review the strategy. shape their areas and ensure important local He added: “The Government needs to infrastructure is included in redevelopments. ensure councils are suffi ciently resourced It could also result in the potential loss of and funded to tackle extremism in the long aff ordable housing – as has happened with term, and to use next year’s Spending Review offi ce-to-home conversions under permitted to do so.” development rules. ● The LGA is running free courses for Cllr David Renard, the LGA’s Housing councillors on Prevent, counter-extremism and Spokesman, said: “Councils are committed to cohesion from November to next March. For building the homes the country desperately improve ways of working for staff and more information and to book a place, please needs; however, it is vital the planning realise significant financial savings. email [email protected] process is allowed to do its job, by making to give councils the powers to get the sure that homes are built in the right places, hundreds of thousands of homes with are aff ordable to those who need them and planning permission built more quickly.” Kinship carers supported by the right infrastructure. It comes as LGA analysis has revealed a “Limiting the application of planning boom in barns converted into homes without amilies and friends that take on rules also goes against the Government’s needing planning permission. Fresponsibility for their loved ones’ commitment to implement the Latest fi gures show the number of children are not recognised by law, recommendations in Dame Judith Hackitt’s agricultural to residential conversions in according to the charity Grandparents report into building safety.” England has risen from 226 in 2015/16 to 743 Plus. It is calling for the Government to He added: “Planning is not a barrier to in 2017/18. The LGA is concerned that rural change this and provide more support house building, with councils approving nine areas in particular are not being provided with for those who step in to help. Cllr Judith in 10 planning applications. It is essential that the local services or infrastructure – and, in Blake, Chair of the LGA’s Children and councils and local communities have a voice in some places, aff ordable housing – that would Young People Board, said: “Kinship the planning process. normally be required in any development carers provide a vital service to society, “We reiterate our call for the Government going through the planning system. stepping in to provide love and care for children who are no longer able to live with their birth parents. Extra funding for next year will help, but government SEND services ‘in crisis’ needs to ensure that councils receive the long-term, consistent funding they need he Local Government Ombudsman has statutory duties for children with special to make sure all children and families are T warned of a “crisis” in provision for children educational needs and disabilities (SEND). able to thrive.” with special education needs and disabilities, “While we are pleased the Government with his offi ce upholding nearly nine out of has announced an additional £700 million for Ÿ Ÿ every 10 complaints about these services. children with SEND, without certainty over That compares with an ‘uphold’ rate of funding for the future the situation will get 57 per cent across all other complaints about worse as the number of children who need Ÿ Increase staff productivity by Cyber security Ÿ Increase the effectiveness of 230%, allowing social workers council services. support continues to increase. find this provides the basis of a relationship built on trust and their reablement service so it is to spend more time with service n partnership with the sector, the LGA has In his latest report about the education, “This is why we are also pleased confidence. 18% more effective at achieving developed a new online self-assessment tool health and care (EHC) plan process, the the Government plans to review the system, I We have worked with a number of Councils and Health Ÿ Improve staff engagement so to help councils evaluate their cyber security Ombudsman identifi es issues including long and we will work with them to get a clear Ÿ Successfully move 41% of 95% of staff prefer the new ways on an ongoing basis. The tool will help local delays in issuing plans and a lack of oversight picture of what more can be done to make Providers across the country, helping to support the authorities assess what arrangements are in by senior staff , with some of the most sure vulnerable children can get the best realisation of over £300M of annualised sustainable savings and positively impacting the lives of thousands of people. living, shared lives and extra care Ÿ Deliver in excess of 15% of net place, identify good practice within the council vulnerable children in society not getting the support possible.” budget as annualised savings or shared service, and identify risks and areas right support at the right time. ● The ombudsman’s annual review of social for improvement. The tool is now open and Cllr Judith Blake, Chair of the LGA’s Children care complaints has shown a slight decrease will close at the end of November 2019. and Young People Board, said: “This report in the number of complaints and enquiries It will then be available twice a year. See supports our long-term concerns that councils received – 3,070 in 2018/19 compared with https://cs.esd.org.uk are in danger of being unable to meet their 3,106 in the previous year. See p30.

To find out more visit 8 | first news www.local.gov.uk OUR FOCUS IS ON THE PEOPLE THAT MATTER

We work across adult social care, children’s services, health providers and increasingly with whole health and social care systems to deliver lasting change.

By working in partnership, we transform outcomes for people, improve ways of working for staff and realise significant financial savings.

ACHIEVING RESULTS OUR CLIENTS HAVE IMPROVED AND ESTABLISHED IN PARTNERSHIP SERVICES AND WAYS OF WORKING TO:

We work alongside you, at the frontline, to make change Ÿ Reduce the number of people Ÿ Reduce child in need and child happen. And we stick with you until the changes become going to residential and nursing protection caseload numbers the new normal. beds when they didn’t need to by 29% by 75% Ÿ Increase staff productivity by On all our engagements, we put 100% of our fee at risk; we Ÿ Increase the effectiveness of 230%, allowing social workers find this provides the basis of a relationship built on trust and their reablement service so it is to spend more time with service confidence. 18% more effective at achieving users independence We have worked with a number of Councils and Health Ÿ Improve staff engagement so Providers across the country, helping to support the Ÿ Successfully move 41% of 95% of staff prefer the new ways working age adults from of working realisation of over £300M of annualised sustainable savings residential care to supported and positively impacting the lives of thousands of people. living, shared lives and extra care Ÿ Deliver in excess of 15% of net budget as annualised savings

To find out more visit www.newtoneurope.com or email [email protected] children and adult services features Brighter futures Children’s services are about much more than just ‘keeping children safe’

social care steps in. It can be something simple, like a parenting course or support with transitions. Or more intensive support might “The children who be needed to keep everyone in the family Councillor Judith Blake CBE is need help from social care safe and well, whether that’s support around Chair of the LGA’s Children and Young People Board domestic violence or providing respite care for are in every school children with complex disabilities. and community” For a minority of children, giving n November, lead members for children’s them the best chance will mean taking them services from across the country will meet into care. In those cases, fi nding children to drive the improvement necessary to in Bournemouth at the National Children stable, loving homes with support to consistently off er the brightest future for and Adult Services Conference (NCASC) to overcome any earlier trauma is vital, and we children and families. talk about how we can give children the know that where this works best, children go Since then, we’ve seen more government Ibest possible future. on to thrive. funding for innovation and improvement, It is fi tting that in this same month we These are not ‘other people’s children’. No better Ofsted ratings, and children’s social care celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Children family is immune to life’s challenges, and every rising up the political agenda. Act 1989 and the UN Convention on the family should feel safe in the knowledge that, But the job is far from fi nished. At Rights of the Child (UNCRC) – two milestones if they need it, help is there to get things back NCASC, we’ll be publishing an updated that shaped children’s services today. on track. Bright Futures statement outlining what We often think of children’s services as The children who need help from social actions we’ll be taking over the coming existing to keep children safe – and that is care are in every school and community. year. We’ll be redoubling our eff orts to vital. But simply ‘keeping children safe’ fails Councils have been trusted with making sure ensure councils get the funding they to encompass their breadth and ambition. these children have the same chances as every need to provide the services children and The Children Act and the UNCRC put children other child, and that is a responsibility they families deserve; to be certain children at the centre of policy-making, ensuring their take very seriously. are at the heart of local and national voices were heard, their safety protected But we know that despite the enormous agendas; and to make sure the right help is and their freedoms safeguarded. They called eff orts of the entire children’s workforce available at the right time – before situations on councils and governments to make sure – from early help practitioners and social become critical. children had what they needed to grow into workers to foster carers – things could be The Children Act 1989 and the UNCRC happy, healthy and successful adults. better. That’s why, in 2017, the LGA were landmarks, and we owe it to every child Many children can get this support published Bright Futures, our seven-point and young person to fulfi l their visions. By from their families and communities, plan for coordinated action across the coming together across sectors, we can make especially with help from invaluable public, community and voluntary sectors that happen. universal services such as health visitors and youth services. All Bright Futures documents can be found at www.local.gov.uk/bright-futures. But one in 10 children needs some extra To fi nd out more about NCASC and book a place, please visit www.local.gov.uk/events help on top of this, and that’s where children’s

10 | first feature www.local.gov.uk children and adult services asey Gavin went into care at 12. At 18, she got a fl at through City of Wolverhampton Council but struggled to manage her fi nances and had to take out payday loans Cfor essentials such as electricity, leaving her struggling with depression. “It’s not like you turn 16, 17, 18, and all of a sudden you are going to know how to be an adult. It doesn’t work like that,” she says. For young people leaving care, it is even harder to make that diffi cult but crucial transition to adulthood as they often lack the family and social networks most of their peers can rely on for help, advice and encouragement. Here at the City of Wolverhampton Council, we are proud of our care leavers and have high aspirations for their development into adulthood. As part of this commitment, we provide additional support over and above what we are legally required to give in our ‘local off er’ to care leavers, and have forged strong links with the Care Leaver Covenant. Launched last October, the covenant encourages public, private and voluntary organisations to pledge their support for care leavers and off er them practical support – such as apprenticeships, work experience and mentoring. We have been pivotal in developing the covenant’s strategy: Emma Bennett, our Director of Children’s Services, was involved in its early stages, and attended the ministerial launch along with care Supporting leavers from the City of Wolverhampton’s Care Leavers Forum. We are a covenant ‘champion’ council. care leavers In line with covenant strategies, our care leavers are guaranteed an interview if they apply for a council apprenticeship, and Working with the Care Leaver Covenant is we have three, ring-fenced, paid opportunities as well. improving support for looked-after young We are developing a graduate trainee management scheme for care leavers, people transitioning to adulthood as we currently have 38 young people at university. And all our care leavers living in facing care leavers. Casey has also been Wolverhampton are exempt from council tax involved with evaluating the programme’s up to the age of 25. content. Working with the covenant, we are Councillor John Reynolds is Working with local partners and ensuring leading the way with a strategy around Cabinet Member for Children and care leavers participate in the development Young People at City of social value and procurement. For all council Wolverhampton Council of the services and support available to contracts exceeding £181,302, 10 per cent them are the main reasons why we have of the evaluation score assesses contractors’ been successful in Wolverhampton in driving off ers on social value – with the focus on with the council. She is also the face of a the range of opportunities available to opportunities for children and young people promotional video for Barclays’ LifeSkills care our care leavers. We remain committed to in care, and care leavers. leavers programme, which is a collaboration further developing these opportunities, so For example, our insurance provider, between the covenant and the bank to adapt that our many talented young care leavers Zurich, has supported two, nine-month, its fi nancial literacy materials for young achieve above and beyond that of other paid work experience placements for our people so they are more tailored to the issues young people. care leavers, to help them understand the insurance industry and the world of work. And what about Casey? With the support To fi nd out more about the Care Leaver Covenant, please visit www.mycovenant.org.uk/. of the council, she is now on track for a You can view Casey’s video at www.mycovenant.org.uk/caseys-story-with-barclays-life-skills fi rst at university and has a part-time job

November 2019 first feature | 11 children and adult services

e don’t yet know if we will arrive at this year’s annual National Children and Caring councils Adult Services Conference (NCASC) in the middle of Wa General Election. What we do know is Funding for adult social care, public health that colleagues will arrive with passion and commitment to improve the lives of the local and NHS reforms are among the key issues people they serve. With that objective front and centre, what facing councillors and officers issues do we expect colleagues will want to hear about and discuss in Bournemouth? Some will be the ‘usual suspects’ – not least, funding. Others will be new, refl ecting developments over the past 12 months. All will matter in terms of how councils can continue to help support and improve people’s wellbeing and independence. The recent Spending Round may help shore up adult social care in 2020/21, but will it address all demand pressures next year – and what ground needs to be laid as we look ahead to 2020’s multi-year Spending Review? Then, of course, comes the perennial issue of whether the debate about the long- term future of care and support will have moved on. The Queen's Speech confi rmed that the Government will bring forward proposals to reform adult social care. But will they be published by the time we meet at NCASC and, if so, will they be far-reaching enough to really secure the long term? In the realm of public health, colleagues will be keen to consider the progress made over the past year to truly prioritise prevention. Can we confi dently say we are starting to see a move away from a focus “Health and wellbeing boards provide continuity on hospitals and medical interventions and accountability to their communities” that patch up people once they become ill, towards genuine investment in our provide continuity and a vital anchor in local communities to address the wider place-based approaches, and accountability determinants of health – housing, giving to their communities. They are the only children the best start, and giving people for ums that bring together political, clinical access to a decent job? These are the most Councillor Ian Hudspeth is and community leaders to identify the Chairman of the LGA’s Community important factors in keeping people healthy, Wellbeing Board biggest health and wellbeing challenges, productive and resilient. and the action required to address them. But Last, and by no means least, what of the beyond local government – and particularly big changes afoot in the NHS as the Long involved in planning and delivery at all in the health sphere – is that the perception? Term Plan is implemented? All sustainability levels. In particular, we know that health and At a time of such uncertainty, upheaval and transformation partnerships are set to wellbeing boards (HWBs) have a major role and challenge, local government’s skill become integrated care systems by 2021 to play in improving health and wellbeing set is more important than ever. Councils’ and, at neighbourhood level, all GP practices outcomes, improving care and support resilience and innovation, combined with are now part of primary care networks. services, and achieving best value. their willingness to work beyond strict party Colleagues will be eager to think about Especially now – amid the turmoil and lines, makes them a trusted and essential how best to ensure that councils are closely change in the care and health system – HWBs component of public service across the UK. NCASC will again off er an important platform for councils to share their The National Children and Adult Services Conference takes place from knowledge and make the case for the 20-22 November in Bournemouth. To view the programme and book a place, please funding and freedoms required to enable visit www.local.gov.uk/events local government to continue making its vital contribution to health, care and wellbeing.

12 | first feature www.local.gov.uk Megan from Dorset County Council

Eric, LGBT Community Safety Offi cer at Brighton and Hove City Council

OurDay2018 participants: Zuby Hamard, Sport and Physical Activity Manager at Bradford City Council

government yet – but we need your help #OurDay is your day to do it. There are lots of ways that you can get involved with #OurDay. Whether you are a The LGA’s annual tweetathon, highlighting councillor, a local government worker or a resident, we want you to get tweeting. the amazing things public sector workers To help, we have devised a how-to kit to give you a few ideas that you can use in do for residents every day, kicks off on your area. In the toolkit, you can fi nd a number of assets to use on social media, a list of ideas 19 November to make your content as engaging as possible, and a guide to how long this might take you ouncils are the backbone of their involved last year, including tanker drivers in to produce. You can fi nd it all online at www. local communities. Even during Tandridge, gardeners in Wigan, fi refi ghters local.gov.uk/our-day. uncertain times, they continue in Huntingdon, LGBT community safety As well as sharing your posts throughout to provide effi cient, eff ective and offi cers in Brighton, homecare workers in the day, we will also be showcasing a number consistent services. Nottingham and park rangers in Camden, to of videos, gifs, quizzes, threads, interesting CIn fact, local government delivers name but a few. facts and stories to promote the work councils more than 800 services on a daily basis for This year, we are celebrating #OurDay on carry out. their residents. Twitter and, for the fi rst time, on Facebook We will also be highlighting local At the LGA, we think the work councils too. We want to make this year’s #OurDay government’s unsung heroes and the range do should be celebrated. That is why we are the biggest and best celebration of local of services they deliver on behalf of their delighted to announce that #OurDay will be communities. If you have an unsung hero returning on 19 November. in your council who has gone above and #OurDay is a chance for local beyond to serve their community, please government to come together to celebrate “We will be highlighting email [email protected] with a 30-second the people who keep our communities video of them explaining what they do, running. The annual 24-hour social local government’s or send us their picture and a 200-word media marathon off ers an opportunity unsung heroes and the biography on their role. for everyone who works or volunteers in Remember, #OurDay is your day, so local public services to share their stories range of services they get creative, get ambitious and get ready of how they improve the quality of life of deliver on behalf of their for the biggest day in the local government local residents. calendar! We look forward to seeing what Last year, on Twitter alone, more than communities” you all get up to. 10,000 people took part, posting close to 34,000 tweets, reaching more than 26 million people. As a result, #OurDay trended at No 1 #OurDay 2019 takes place this year on Tuesday 19 November. in the UK all day, as well as fourth worldwide. Visit www.local.gov.uk/our-day for free resources and a toolkit to help you get involved A variety of public sector workers got

November 2019 first feature | 13 avering Council has embarked on one of the biggest and most The social value ambitious housing regeneration projects in the capital. But for us, regeneration is about more Hthan just building houses – we are building of regeneration communities for future generations. Working in partnership with national An east London regeneration project aims developer Wates Residential, our ‘12 Estates’ regeneration project will deliver approximately to build communities as well as new homes 5,200 high-quality homes, across 12 council- owned estates, in the next 12 to 15 years, doubling the council’s stock of rented accommodation and more than doubling the “It is important that we number of affordable homes. put residents at the centre We have already made excellent progress Councillor Damian White (Con) on the first phase of the project, with Napier is Leader of Havering Council of everything we do” and New Plymouth House in Rainham, and Solar, Serena and Sunrise Courts in South Hornchurch, currently being demolished. Our joint venture with Wates Residential support through apprenticeships and our pop- Rainham is a more deprived part of the is a 50/50 split, with the council contributing up business school event, to engagement with borough, so beginning the 12 Estates project the land and the developers covering the communities through outreach events. there will be a real game-changer for the area. costs of construction. In the past, we have Local contractors Kilnbridge Construction We held extensive public consultations struggled with opportunities for larger-scale Services and Downwell Demolition were to ensure planning for the Napier and New regeneration because of depressed land values. appointed earlier this year for the first-phase Plymouth site included the things that are As these have increased, we have been able demolition work, after Wates Residential held important to our residents. Thanks to these to move on from piecemeal developments to four ‘Meet the buyer’ events for local suppliers consultations, children’s play areas and plenty comprehensive opportunities to rebuild whole to learn about contract opportunities. of green space are included in the planning. communities for our residents, for our sons Through our supply chain initiative, ‘Meet It is important that we put residents and daughters, the people who have made the buyer’ events, training opportunities and at the centre of everything we do, and – Havering their home. apprenticeships, we can make sure this project with an ageing population – vital that our We are ensuring that this investment in benefits as many businesses and residents in regeneration creates homes that meet the the borough goes much further than just Havering as possible. needs of the community. So, the antiquated creating new homes; we are committed The 12 Estates joint venture is just Solar, Serena and Sunrise Courts site will give to delivering social value. For us, social one element of the multibillion-pound way to a modern retirement village, with value is the added social, economic and Havering regeneration project, with further accessible design and social spaces creating a environmental benefits that can be gained ventures on the horizon, masterplans for safe haven for elderly residents. from regeneration – from education and skills Havering’s town centres, and an improvement programme for housing estates not earmarked for regeneration. For more information about Havering’s 12 Estates project, It is such an exciting time to live and work please visit www.havering.gov.uk/info/20057/building_new_homes_for_havering in the borough, and to be part of this great legacy we are going to deliver.

14 | first feature www.local.gov.uk individuals and families out of poverty, Covering the including 35,000 children. It proposes that a three-year investment to restore rates to the 30th percentile would bring wider benefi ts of £5.5 billion, including cost of renting from reduced need for homelessness services and related services such as health, and further savings of £124 million from reducing The LGA is part of a campaign to prevent the need for temporary accommodation. In 2017, an LGA survey of housing people being priced out of their homes managers found that 96 per cent of respondents were concerned that homelessness would continue to increase as a result of the LHA freeze. Councils also highlighted instances of private landlords withdrawing from renting to households in receipt of benefi t , further constraining supply. In ‘The Homeless Monitor England (2019)’ study, commissioned by Crisis and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, nine out of 10 councils warned more and more people on the lowest incomes in their area will become homeless because the freeze on LHA and

“The widening gap many people face between their incomes and rent has led to financial hardship, in-work poverty and even homelessness”

Cover the Cost campaign, which is being other benefi ts means they can’t aff ord to pay supported by a coalition of charities, their rents. and housing and local government I would urge all councillors to collate organisations – including Shelter, Homeless and share their fi ndings and concerns, so the Link, the Residential Landlords Association, Government has the impetus to design an Councillor Richard Watts is Chair of the LGA’s Resources Board St Mungo’s, the Joseph Rowntree eff ective approach to housing costs when Foundation, London Councils, the District the LHA freeze is reviewed this autumn. Councils’ Network, Centrepoint, and the We need ministers to restore fairness to veryone deserves a decent, secure Chartered Institute of Housing. the system, so that we can work together to and aff ordable home. That includes The widening gap many people face deliver our wider shared ambitions to end people who get support from between their incomes and the cost of homelessness and improve outcomes for housing benefi t or Universal Credit to rent has led many to experience fi nancial low-income households. pay their rent in the private sector. hardship, in-work poverty and even Investment in social housing is a vital EHowever, councils are increasingly homelessness. These serious issues are part of the long-term solution, and we are concerned about people who are struggling placing additional, unsustainable costs pleased that government is working with to meet the cost of renting privately. on councils in meeting their housing councils to increase supply. But we urgently The local housing allowance (LHA) commitments and providing support. need to ensure that households can meet determines the maximum level of housing Crisis’s latest report shows that restoring their living costs now, and LHA is a crucial benefi t, or support for housing costs within LHA rates to cover the cheapest third part of that solution. Universal Credit, that can be paid within a of rents could prevent more than 6,000 It is vital that our welfare system works local area. In 2016, LHA rates were frozen by individuals and families from becoming eff ectively to provide a safety net for all those the Government, but are due to be reviewed homeless, and lift more than 32,000 who need it. at the end of this year. The LGA is calling on ministers to take this opportunity to invest in LHA, so that it For more information about Crisis’s Cover the Cost campaign, visit www.crisis.org. covers the true cost of renting. uk/get-involved/campaign/cover-the-cost. The LGA provides resources, research and This call is a key part of the LGA’s support for councils on welfare reform, see www.local.gov.uk/topics/welfare-reform support for homelessness charity Crisis’s

November 2019 first feature | 15 have an excellent education. The recent The Queen’s Speech additional money for council high needs budgets to support children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) will The Government has proposed 26 bills and help councils deliver for children. It is, however, disappointing that there promised white papers on devolution and adult is no mention of the urgent challenges facing children’s social care services as the social care in the next parliamentary session pressures facing them are rapidly becoming unsustainable. Government should act to As part of its #CouncilsCan campaign, the prepared as they can be, but information and ensure councils have the resources they LGA has been calling for a new fi nancial resource gaps remain. need to keep children safe and support their and devolutionary settlement for local EU funding has been critical for councils wellbeing in years to come. government to empower councils to and others in creating jobs, supporting Reforming the building safety system is transform their local areas. small and medium enterprises, delivering urgent so we are pleased that the Queen’s So it is encouraging that October’s Queen’s skills, building infrastructure and boosting Speech includes legislation to enshrine Speech signalled a renewed energy in favour local growth in all types of areas across the a tough new system into law. We need a of English devolution, and included some country. The detail of the UK replacement fund partnership between the new building fi nance proposals. (UKSPF) and quantum of funding remains an regulator, councils and fi re services, with local Taking decisions over how to run local outstanding concern and progress needs to be authorities given eff ective powers, including services closer to where people live is key made urgently. meaningful sanctions. to improving them and saving money. With The Government also announced that it Other proposed bills of interest to councils no new devolution deals agreed in two will fi nally bring forward proposals to reform cover domestic abuse, serious violence and years, councils will now look to work with adult social care – a long-standing LGA priority. sentencing; the NHS, health service safety government on how to kick-start this process The Government’s proposals need to be investigations, and mental health; broadband in a way that works for all areas. substantive. and trade; EU funding and immigration; and Councils are working to help their It is positive that the Queen’s Speech the Armed Forces Covenant, electoral integrity, communities prepare for Brexit. They are as committed to ensuring that all young people infrastructure, rail reform and animal welfare.

16 | first political www.local.gov.uk English devolution • A Devolution White Paper Adult social care will “unleash regional • The Government will bring potential in England” and Serious violence forward proposals to reform adult enable decisions aff ecting • A Serious Violence Bill will place a social care in England to ensure local people to be made new duty on public sector bodies, dignity in old age. locally. ensuring they work together to LGA view: “The Government must LGA view: “There is address serious violence. set out its thinking at the earliest clear and signifi cant • The Bill will also ensure that serious opportunity. We need practical and evidence that outcomes violence is an explicit priority for workable proposals to secure social improve and the country community safety partnerships. care for the generations to come so gets better value for LGA view: “We support a public that adults of all ages are supported money when councils have health approach to tackling serious to live the lives they want to lead. This the freedoms and funding to violent crime, which has become means ensuring the current system make local decisions. The future an increasing priority for councils. is adequately funded, as well as devolution of powers should not Early intervention and prevention introducing reforms be contingent on the adoption of needs to be central to this work, that improve access a mayoral governance model and as opposed to relying solely on a to care and pool areas should be able to propose their criminal justice strategy. In order the fi nancial risk own governance arrangements. To to tackle serious violence in our so individuals enable meaningful and self-suffi cient communities, the funding do not face fi nancial management, further fi scal cuts to local youth services, catastrophic costs.” devolution is necessary. This could youth off ending teams take the shape of assignment of and councils’ public national taxation (such as a share health budgets need of fuel duty or income tax), further to be reversed.” Domestic abuse powers over existing local taxes (such • The Bill aims to as the abolition of the council tax transform the referendum threshold and full control approach of the over discounts) and powers to create The environment justice system new levies, such as a local tourism tax • Measures will be introduced to and other or an e-commerce levy.” improve air and water quality, agencies to victims tackle plastic pollution and of domestic abuse. restore habitats so plants and • Proposals include defi ning wildlife can thrive. domestic abuse and establishing Building safety • Legislation will also create new the post of Domestic Abuse • The Government will bring forward legally binding environmental Commissioner. laws to implement new building improvement targets, and establish LGA view: “Addressing all forms of safety standards, including a new an independent regulator to domestic abuse is a high priority for safety framework for high-rise scrutinise environmental policy and councils and we support the Bill’s residential buildings. law, investigate complaints and take objectives of ensuring that people • It will provide clearer accountability enforcement action. feel able to report abuse. There needs for, and stronger duties on, those LGA view: “We welcome the Bill’s to be a greater focus on prevention responsible for high-rise safety; intention to strengthen local powers and early intervention measures to give residents a stronger voice; in relation to air quality enforcement. tackle the root causes of domestic and strengthen enforcement Many of our powers are decades abuse and support more victims. and sanctions. old and need to be reformed to fi t This should include funding and LGA view: “Reform of our failed with modern sources of emissions. investment for evidence-based building safety system cannot Additional resources will need to perpetrator programmes and for come soon enough. However, in be available for councils to deal key learning and best practice from designing the new regulatory eff ectively with environmental domestic homicide reviews to be framework, we must avoid creating protection. Local government wants to shared on a national level.” a two-tier building safety system. see measures that reduce the amount A close partnership between the of unnecessary and unrecyclable new building regulator, councils material becoming an issue in the fi rst This is an edited version of the LGA’s and the fi re service will be essential place. The LGA has long called ‘Queen’s Speech 2019: on-the-day in ensuring we can build safe for retailers and briefi ng’. To read the briefi ng in communities, towns and manufacturers to full, please visit www.local.gov.uk/ cities. At the core of this pay for recycling and parliament/briefi ngs-and-responses/ new partnership must disposing of packaging queens-speech-2019-day-briefi ng. For be tougher enforcement in household waste more on our #CouncilsCan campaign, powers for councils and and we welcome the see www.local.gov.uk/councils-can the fi re service.” commitment to do this.”

November 2019 first political | 17 In charge? Councils have a role to play in ensuring

Councillor David Renard sufficient charging points are available to is Chairman of the LGA’s Environment, Economy, Housing support the replacement of diesel and petrol and Transport Board cars with electric versions

any councils have debated many councils are already showing that they Alongside our guide, we are also the issue of climate change have a role to play in catalysing this market holding an event examining what role and are putting in place and helping in its early stages. councils can play in building this network plans to build on previous The electric vehicle charging landscape (see below for more details). The event achievements to tackle this can be a daunting area for many councils will explore councils’ long- and short-term Murgent issue (see fi rst 640). and councillors. There are many charge point role, and independent experts, leading Transport is the second biggest sector for providers out there, the technology involved industry representatives and councils will carbon emissions and we need to seriously can appear complex, and the potential role describe what kind of infrastructure is consider all possible actions we can take to for councils is unclear. needed – and what policies are needed reduce its carbon impact. It is also a non-statutory service and to support the transition. It’s aimed at all Councils are also subject to legal many councils, given current budgetary councils, from small rural district councils requirements to improve air quality around pressures, may fi nd it challenging to invest in to major cities. their road network. Electrifi cation could charging infrastructure. In my own council, This is an exciting and emerging area be a solution to both these problems, by we are currently consulting on a draft for councils. The LGA intends to lead the reducing the environmental impact of cars. updated policy to require house builders debate nationally on behalf of our members, ‘The Road to Zero’ – the Government’s to provide a minimum of one charge point to ensure that we can capture all the strategy for reducing emissions from road per home where there is a requirement for environmental benefi ts of electrifi cation as transport – has set an ambition that no new parking spaces, making it even easier for quickly as possible, in a way that is aff ordable conventional petrol or diesel cars will be people to own electric vehicles in Swindon. and fi nancially sustainable. sold by 2040. Meeting this ambition is going to require a step change in the availability of electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Charge points will have to become as ubiquitous as petrol stations to fuel most vehicles. This is a challenge that will be on the minds of many policy-makers in local government over the coming decades.

“The electric vehicle charging landscape can be a daunting area for many councils and councillors”

The LGA is helping councils respond to this emerging policy agenda. Over the summer, we published our new electric vehicle charging guide for elected members. ‘Councils in charge: making the case for electric charging investment’ is a guide to understanding why a council might consider investing in this area and some of the practical concerns that need to be addressed. We do not anticipate that most councils either want, or need, to become the long- You can download the LGA’s report on electric charging, at www.local.gov.uk/ term default provider for electric vehicle councils-charge-making-case-electric-charging-investment. ‘In charge? Councils’ charge points. For the transition to be role in electric vehicle charging’ takes place on 24 March in London. To fi nd out successful, the commercial charge point more and to book your place, visit www.local.gov.uk/events market will have to strengthen. However,

18 | first feature www.local.gov.uk Giant puppets at Luton’s RISE outdoor festival and increasing footfall and the diversity of visitors, including after dark. Alongside the council, police and others, it worked to achieve ‘Purple Flag’ status, an accreditation recognising a well-managed night-time economy. BID funding was secured to pay for equipment such as security wands and a new digital radio network, which is used by the local shopping centre to ensure wider information sharing between businesses. Partners have also worked hard to reinvigorate the town’s events calendar, ensuring both new and existing events continue past 4pm to encourage visitors to stay into the evening. Through licensing public spaces and routes throughout the town centre, the council has been able to facilitate additional events and activities, such as a giant puppet parade and an extended Diwali festival. Since the launch of the improvement programme, our data has shown a typical increase of five per cent in footfall after 5pm. The town has received more positive coverage of the night-time economy offer Diversifying the and events. Increased public confidence in the town centre has attracted inward investment. night-time economy The council worked alongside the University of Bedfordshire to offer opportunities for incubator businesses, offering low rents Town centres blighted by alcohol-related and short-term lets in the town’s historic hat factories. anti-social behaviour can be turned around The arts and culture offer within the town has also flourished through this work and the by councils and their partners appointment of a cultural enabler, whose role is to drive the implementation of an artistic improve perceptions of the town centre vision, working with artists and practitioners after dark, support businesses within the and the new Luton Creative Forum. night-time economy and attract further This allowed the delivery of a huge investment. In particular, there was a desire evening outdoor spectacular in July, to Councillor Maria Lovell (Lab) to develop the arts and culture offer to commemorate the centenary of the iconic is Deputy Mayor of Luton and diversify from the existing, alcohol-led, Peace Day Riots, when Luton Town Hall was the borough’s Night Mayor night-time economy offer and attract a burned down during a riot by ex-servicemen wider audience. unhappy with unemployment and other uton town centre has experienced The Strategic Town Centre group grievances. With live music, dance and issues with alcohol related anti-social comprised a range of different council performances, the event drew large numbers behaviour for a number of years. services including planning, licensing, to the town centre. Following the closure of two community safety and street services, as The BID is continuing its vibrant nightclubs, these issues were well as local businesses. The group explored programme of events – which most recently Lexacerbated and local bars and pubs saw an a number of options through which to drive included the Polonia Festival, a celebration of increased level of alcohol-related anti-social improvement, opting to set up a business Polish and Eastern European cultures – and is behaviour (ASB), which affected residents’ improvement district (BID) – a defined area mandated to run until 2020. perceptions of the town centre at night. in which a levy is charged on all business To tackle these issues, Luton Council led rate payers (in addition to business rates) a programme of improvement jointly with and is used to develop projects that local partners and overseen by a Strategic benefit local businesses. “Partners have worked Town Centre Group. Luton’s BID, set up in 2015, has been The intention was to increase footfall, a key driver for reducing crime and ASB, hard to reinvigorate the town’s events calendar,

The LGA’s recent publication, ‘Approaches to managing the night-time economy’, ensuring new and existing includes several case studies and provides a useful tool for councillors, see events encourage visitors to www.local.gov.uk/publications stay into the evening”

November 2019 first feature | 19 sector-led improvement

I can now say that the LG Challenge has Making a diff erence changed the way I work. I, and my team, work in a much more collaborative and creative way, helping us to deliver better results. I am better able and equipped to deliver The Local Government Challenge’s presentations, although I have not yet most recent winner is using his £10,000 plucked up the courage to deliver a role- play in any of them! I am more confi dent in scholarship to develop a project tackling working with senior managers and leaders to explore new and diff erent ways of working. summer learning loss among poorer children In local government, with the pressures we face every day, it is very easy to always look internally. The biggest change for me and learning how local government works is that I am now connected into a wider outside of Kent. I was hoping there would be network that has opened up a much more opportunities to bring new ways of working diverse conversation for me when looking to Rob Comber is a Service into my work and that of my team. address challenges within Kent. It has been Development Manager in Kent The fi rst challenge didn’t get off to a invaluable to share ideas across a network County Council’s children, young people and education directorate great start – my alarm went off at 5.15am, it and is already making a diff erence to the way was snowing, and the fi rst train of the day I work and deliver services in Kent. was cancelled. I was slightly regretting what I Having worked in children’s services had only heard a little bit about the had signed up to. for eight years, the wellbeing of children is Local Government Challenge from Three and a half hours later, I was at the heart of everything I do. I had heard previous contestants, who all told me meeting the other contestants (now friends) about the concept of summer learning loss the experience had a positive impact on at a train station somewhere in Oxfordshire. and felt passionate about creating a solution their work. I was hoping it would do the Another hour later, and we were thrown into that meant children did not need to be Isame for me. the fi rst challenge. I can’t speak for everyone, disadvantaged by the summer holiday break After doing a bit of research, I became but by lunch I could see that taking part in learning. excited by the idea of working with others in the LG Challenge was going to be an The way I developed the proposal was from diff erent councils across the country amazing experience. a mix of desk-based research and engaging with young people and teachers around the issue. The feedback I got from speaking Rob Comer receiving his £10,000 with young people was fundamental to my Bruce-Lockhart Scholarship proposal and will remain fundamental as the from Lady Bruce-Lockhart project progresses. LG Challenge is by far the best development opportunity I have been involved in during my career, and my advice to others considering applying would be absolutely to go for it. But be prepared for incredibly hard work, late nights, early mornings, moving completely out of your comfort zone, pressure and delivering some of the most demanding work you’ll ever be asked to do. If you’re prepared for that, what you will get is: an opportunity to deliver genuinely transformational work for other local authorities in a collaborative and innovative way; an opportunity to work with and build a network of inspiring individuals across our sector; and an immersive personal development opportunity that will enhance your career in the public sector.

“In local government, with the pressures we

Could your council host a future challenge for the Local Government face every day, it is Challenge? Email [email protected] or visit www.local.gov.uk/lg-challenge very easy to always for more information. look internally”

20 | first feature www.local.gov.uk sector-led improvement Alleviating loneliness Standardising data could help lonely people access the services and information they need more easily

Councillor Peter Fleming is Chairman of the LGA’s Improvement and Innovation Board

ccording to the Offi ce for National Blackburn with Darwen Council and Statistics, 6 per cent of adults Elmbridge District Council. in England feel ‘always’ or ‘often’ Councils already publish data about “Talking about data lonely. Sadly, some estimates put their services and support for residents. The isn’t always sexy, but the number of people who feel open-data pilot aims to kick-start a step- Alonely even higher – with loneliness said to change in how people access services and standardising data aff ect one in fi ve adults. support from councils and local partners, has the potential to Always or often feeling lonely is harming making it easier for people to get the too many people’s health and wellbeing – it help and advice they need and to drive transform the way we can be as bad as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. effi ciencies and savings. Loneliness also creates additional cost As part of the LGA’s sector-led deliver services” pressures on social care and other local improvement off er, we have created a services, with many patients attending GP ‘standardised’ way for local authorities voluntary and community schemes, each surgeries in need of a friendly chat, rather and their partners – including voluntary area will explore how best to capture and than clinical services. organisations, community groups and health share information about local activities Councils are working hard to stop services – to work together to collect data and support in an effi cient and reliable people feeling ignored and invisible. But a that helps both residents and the sector to way. The success of the pilots will be taken lack of good-quality, up-to-date and easily access information. forward to encourage wider take-up. accessible information about local services Bristol City Council and North Yorkshire Councils and local partners provide a and support all too often prevents lonely County Council are already collecting local wide range of services for the people and people, and those helping them, from services data using this LGA standard. South places they serve. Making their availability fi nding the accurate and timely advice they Gloucestershire Council, working with Bristol, widely known, keeping information up-to- so desperately need. is also looking to publish services data to the date and matching services to need and The LGA and the Department for LGA standard. eligibility remains our biggest challenge. Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) have Publishing information about services We also need the certainty of sustainable joined forces to tackle loneliness as part in a standard way could have a far-reaching funding of local facilities and activities if of a national £150,000 pilot project to impact that extends beyond loneliness – these pilots are to be a success. ‘standardise’ how councils and local from supporting ex-homeless households to Talking about data isn’t always sexy, but partners collect and publish information settle into their communities, to fi nding local standardising data and making it accessible about local services. Together, we have activities and services, and to publishing a has the potential to transform the way we launched an open data pilot that will run public toilet map across the country. deliver services. until March 2020 across Hull City Council, Working in association with local health, Loneliness aff ects millions of people across the country, and the open data pilots The LGA has published two guides for councils on tackling loneliness – visit www.local. are a real testament to councils that are gov.uk/publications and search for ‘loneliness’. See www.gov.uk/government/news/pm- ambitious for their local communities and launches-governments-fi rst-loneliness-strategy for the Government’s loneliness strategy committed to supporting local areas to fi nd solutions to their problems.

November 2019 first feature | 21 returns for the community trigger. It’s just inconceivable that people don’t want to seek further help if they are in this position. Inevitably, the conclusion is that they don’t know about it – it’s not being promoted.” Dame Vera is very clear that victims of ASB should attend the meetings they have triggered and that, ideally, these should be chaired by someone independent . Otherwise, victims may feel – wrongly or rightly – that the authorities are coming together to fi nd a way of “getting interview rid of this nuisance”. She adds: “There is a lot of work to be done about ASB. You shouldn’t talk about crime and ASB as if the second is a lesser version of the fi rst. Looking after “If somebody broke into my garden shed and stole my spade, that would be a crime. But it isn’t going to cut me to the quick; it isn’t going to fundamentally undermine the victims my personality. But if I live in a house and somebody’s kicking a ball against the wall, throwing stuff at my window, calling me Local solutions are the best way to combat names when I come out, drinking outside every Friday night and generally being anti-social behaviour and domestic abuse, monstrous, it would defi nitely undermine my personality. says Victims’ Commissioner Dame Vera Baird “I think ASB is capable of being extremely damaging to a lot of people in the long term. So it’s key that we get this right. By the time it’s ame Vera Baird is looking forward happened three times, people are getting in a to speaking at the LGA’s anti- state of worry and concern, so the community social behaviour conference, trigger is very important.” when we meet in early October. Aside from the trigger issue, Dame Vera is She refl ects on her “really happy positive about the work of local authorities, and Dexperience” of working with local authorities says she is keen to work with them on other as the former Police and Crime Commissioner common interests – domestic abuse, gangs for Northumbria, but warns she will be and knife crime, and modern slavery. “moaning a bit” at the conference. Domestic abuse, she believes, “will never This is because the recently appointed be top of anyone’s list if it’s not a statutory Victims’ Commissioner is championing her responsibility”. But it has to be properly predecessor’s last report, on anti-social resourced, and it needs a renewed focus on behaviour (ASB), which was critical of police, preventative work. local councils and housing providers for “Refuges are constantly under threat letting down victims. because local authorities can’t suffi ciently The report found examples of police fund them. Follow-on accommodation is a and council staff failing to appreciate the rare commodity,” she notes. cumulative impact of persistent anti-social “And you do need local authorities to be behaviour; a culture of playing down ASB able to fund programmes for perpetrators. as being ‘low-level’; and that many police When I was a police and crime commissioner, forces, councils, and police and crime I had six local authorities, and there were commissioners make no reference to the perpetrator programmes in fi ve. Then they statutory ‘community trigger’ mechanism just declined, because these weren’t a that victims can use to help resolve ASB. legislative requirement and they just couldn’t “People who’ve had three experiences be aff orded. of anti-social behaviour – who’ve made “We got some money from the Home reports and haven’t got a solution or had a Offi ce for a whole-system approach to satisfactory outcome – are entitled to press domestic abuse, which included perpetrator this trigger, which requires all the relevant programmes, so we funded them for a few authorities to come together to discuss how years. They were pretty benefi cial. You have to put it right,” says Dame Vera. to get the right people on them; if somebody “My predecessor Baroness Newlove’s is very advanced into coercive control, there report shows a 37 per cent increase in ASB. is no point putting them on a perpetrator There has to be an annual report in each programme – there has to be a wholly LGA/ANDREW BAKER LGA/ANDREW

© local authority and they are almost all nil diff erent approach. But if you get them at the

22 | first interview www.local.gov.uk © LGA/ANDREW BAKER and stillbeagoodfather [it’s 90percent that you can be a domestic abuse perpetrator now, whichisconsistent withthenotion Solicitor General for Englandand Wales. with domesticabusecases,” says theformer effpowerful deal onhow thefamilycourts ect Abuse Bill.the Domestic would have“It a just witnesses –ofdomesticabusein get children recognised asvictims –not say onaminute’‘hang andintervene”. inademeaning way,partner otherpeople when theygethome, orare their criticising something aboutwhat theyintend to do to thesituation where, ifsomeonesays driving,of drink shesays we “need to get change theculture”. to understand domesticabuseandtry information campaign, sothat peoplecan “accompanied public powerful by avery to seethe proposed reforms andchanges in theQueen’s Speech,Dame Vera wants session forward from thelastparliamentary holes inwalls orbroken front doors. council housingstaff uponpunch picking perpetrators, shesays, citinganexample of be quite effective.” right level, programmes thesevoluntary can November 2019 “There’s apresumption ofshared contact Dame Vera a alsopredicts drive”“big to likethechangeincultureMuch inrespect With Abuse Billcarried theDomestic areLocal keyto identifying partners please visit T o find outmore aboutthe Victims’ Commissioner, www.victimscommissioners.org.uk having nowhere elseto go.” having beenbrought in,inthefirst place, and perpetrator, of buttheyare alsoavictim becomes a in,andthenthekid the kid people,” shesays. andperpetrators arevictims thesame realised was that itisourbusiness, because crime, thing. gangcrime The first thing we lines’ drug-runningactivities. of children caught upingangsand ‘county at stage.” anearlier support give children alotmore rights, andalotmore be thetwo thingssimultaneously. And itwill disabuse itselfofthat notionthat you can need to beseenasvictims. are damagedby domesticabuseandthey men to women]. Whereas actually, children list never betopofanyone’s “Domestic abusewill responsibility” She adds: you “If you’ve akid, criminalise perpetrator issomeonewhobrings “The “We were at thewhole knife looking Dame Vera takesasimilarlineontheissue theyare, will,“If Ithink, thenthecourt if it’s notastatutory

victims and witnesses.”victims protecting andpromoting therights of can be withourcore business –whichis can help, andany engagement that there local authority. allhastothese. betailored It through the really have localsolutionsto problems like to talkto theirown”. andmore leadershiptypes likely middle-class neighbours whoare lessready to talkto your it proved to bea “galvanising force withlocal how heavily theirchildren were involved, but theissues. help tackle persevered andbrought parents together to anything to dowiththesepeople” –they gang leaderswere saying justdon’t have outreach youth workers were rebuffed – “the people becoming more violent. When hadidentifisector ed anissuewithyoung smaller population.” not what theyare usedto, andtheyare a in smalltowns, inthesensethat that’s it seemsto bealmostabiggerproblem Liverpool, metropolitan areas. But, actually, think it’s inLondon, maybe inBirmingham, this isgoingoninNewton Abbot ; they on children ingangs–Newton Abbot. work of good, partnership localauthority-led thingsworse.”links that are making to cutoff them,andtry to doissupport the lost them for adecade , sowhat you need version ofthefirst” the secondisalesser social behaviourasif about crimeandanti- “You shouldn’t talk “We interested are very inany way we Dame Vera concludes: “You canonly hadto Some betold by socialservices The localauthority, police andhealth issignifi“What cant isthat nobodythinks She cites an “absolutely fantastic” example first

interview

|

23 HC-One – At the National Children and Adult Services Conference 2019

HC-One ‘The Kind Care Company’ is a leading independent health and social care provider in the UK. We have a clear vision; to deliver the kindest care to our Residents and offer them the opportunity to enjoy life to the full. We currently provide a network of over 300 care homes in which we offer residential and nursing care to older people with wide ranging needs including frailty, dementia, complex general and mental health needs and terminal illness.

We want our homes to be consistently rated as If you would like to find Outstanding and accepted as valuable assets in the out more about HC-One, communities we serve. Our aim is to be the first choice our plans for the future care home provider in each of our communities we serve; and potential partnership working, please contact for our Residents and Colleagues and for local health and HC-One, Southgate social care professionals with whom we want to work in House, Archer Street, partnership. Darlington, Co. Durham, DL3 6AH. We recognise the national priorities around wellbeing, innovation and technology in care and we are working in T 0333 999 8699 partnership with a significant number of Local Authorities E [email protected] and CCGs to deliver innovations and new services. W hc-one.co.uk

Guidance and support for social care from NICE

NICE produces evidence-based guidelines, standards and other support tools to help Quick guides social care practitioners deliver high quality, cost-effective interventions and services. Short, visually engaging, ideal for use in staff NICE offers practical ways to improve the quality of care, based on what works, along with training www.nice.org.uk/quick-guides resources to support delivery of care which is considered ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ by CQC. Quality improvement resource: adult social care NICE in the adult social care sector Find NICE guidance mapped against CQC key lines of enquiry. Download and adapt to support improvement work and prepare for inspections. www.nice.org.uk/about/nice-communities/social- care/quality-improvement-resource

Social care newsletter Keep up to date with our free monthly e-bulletin – visit www.nice.org.uk/social-care-newsletter to subscribe.

“We received really positive feedback during a recent CQC inspection after mentioning how we had used NICE guidance to ensure effective communication around medications.” Devon Helping Hands

24 | first adverts www.local.gov.uk comment

conference, where the theme is ‘unleashing the potential of counties’. The slogan is grounded in the acknowledgement that counties are doing hugely positive things in driving local, regional, and sub-national growth, but can do so much more with the shackles removed. The centrepiece of the event will be the launch of new research on how county authorities are driving innovation across housing, infrastructure, and economic growth, working alongside local enterprise partnerships, the private sector, and district partners. At the same time, it will illustrate how much of this potential remains underused – making the case for stronger strategic powers to support planning, infrastructure delivery and economic growth, contributing to vibrant sustainable communities where families can live, learn, work and grow. Watch this space! With the Government clearly interested in devolving downwards and wanting to see Devolution for counties inclusive growth across all parts of the country, it’s a timely report. We are determined to ensure that our areas see the investment opportunities and powers enjoyed by urban areas. “We are determined to Elsewhere, delegates can expect high- ensure that our areas profi le speakers and thought-provoking Councillor David Williams sessions on the major local government topics, (Con) is Chairman of the see the investment including transformation in adult social care, County Councils Network presented by Newton Europe. opportunities and powers In recognition of children’s services rising up We are just a few weeks away from the enjoyed by urban areas” the political agenda, we have several plenaries County Councils Network’s annual exploring issues within care for younger people, conference in Guildford, where more than including what ‘good’ looks like for services, the 200 delegates will hear from high-profi le devolution agenda from the Government, with link between children’s and adults’ care services, speakers and thinkers. both the Prime Minister, the Chancellor, and and the emerging issue of county lines. Last year, we all left the event feeling Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick With Brexit unavoidable one way or optimistic about the future of local government. making high-profi le and enthusiastic another, we look forward to the Institute for Twelve months on, with the Spending Round statements on driving down powers and Government’s thoughts on where we are behind us, it’s fair to say it has been a reasonably resources to the ‘left-behind’ parts of England. nationally and the impact on local authorities, successful year, advocacy-wise, for councils. Those areas are overwhelmingly located as well as a session looking ahead to next year’s While long-term pressures remain, the new within England’s counties, and we welcome the three-year Spending Review: it is important to administration’s recent interventions are clearly pledges as we await more details in a promised begin our advocacy in earnest. welcome and give us some important Devolution White Paper. I hope to see many county colleagues at breathing space ahead of anticipated reforms to This is something we will look to infl uence conference as we look to the opportunities local government fi nance, coupled with a full and shape as we head into this year’s CCN – and challenges – ahead. Spending Review in 2020. Therefore, we are going into this year’s conference with short-term fi nance issues not The County Councils Network’s annual conference takes place in Guildford from the centrepiece of discussion – although clearly 17-19 November. For more information and to book a place, please visit still important! www.countycouncilsnetwork.org.uk Instead, the backdrop is a rebooted

November 2019 first comment | 25 group leaders’ comments

Welcome announcements in the Queen’s Speech

Councillor Izzi Seccombe “If we can get Brexit done, we will have the OBE is Leader of the LGA’s opportunity to focus fully on our domestic agenda” Conservative Group

t was great to see so many Conservative The debate allowed us to publicise and behalf of their local communities and recognised Icouncillors in Manchester for our party discuss our key asks of the Government ahead of the crucial role that they play within the conference in October. the Queen’s Speech. Writing this a day after it was Conservative Party. The conference had a really upbeat mood, delivered, I am pleased that it contained a Rishi Sunak MP, the Chief Secretary to the and the feedback that I received from councillors number of welcome announcements for local Treasury (and former Local Government Minister), was very positive. There were lots of outstanding government, including a renewed focus on and Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, fringe events covering a wide range of policy devolution in England, a commitment to bring were also present and received a warm welcome issues that matter to local government, including forward proposals to reform adult social care, from our guests. devolution, housing, social care, homelessness, legislation to improve building safety, the I believe that if we can get Brexit done, we and domestic violence. announcement of a national infrastructure will have the opportunity to focus fully on our I am grateful to my LGA Conservative Group strategy, and measures to further protect domestic agenda, allowing us to build a country colleagues who spoke at many of these events. the environment. that works for everyone, with a strong economy The LGA hosted two events at the I was also delighted to welcome Robert and world-class public services. conference: our fringe meeting, which was titled, Jenrick MP, our recently appointed Secretary of With a General Election possibly only a ‘Why is the Queen’s Speech important for local State for Housing, Communities and Local few weeks away, I came away from the government?’, and our ever popular evening Government, to our drinks reception. Robert conference more motivated than ever for the drinks reception. thanked our councillors for their hard work on fi ght that lies ahead.

Chairman’s comment Reigniting the devolution debate

devolved powers that is available to all of English of powers from the EU will lead to a local government and can be delivered through signifi cant increase in the decision-making fl exible governance arrangements. The mayoral powers of the devolved administrations in model is not appropriate for all places, and Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. But we areas should be able to propose their own are clear that local communities in England Councillor James Jamieson is Chairman of the LGA governance arrangements. should also have a voice in law-making, and These new devolved powers need to be a share of power commensurate with that underpinned by statute so they, along with held by residents of the other three nations. t’s been two years since the last new those already devolved through existing deals, Devolution is important because, with I devolution deal was agreed in England – so cannot be rolled back by a simple change in adequate funding and the right powers, the promise, in the Queen’s Speech, of a government policy. councils can help the Government tackle the White Paper on the subject is encouraging. This is vital so that all parts of England have challenges facing our nation and make a There is clear and signifi cant evidence to the opportunity and certainty to reap the huge diff erence to their communities – by back up our long-standing position that benefi ts of having greater powers and funding to building desperately needed new homes, taking decisions over how to run public improve services such as housing, transport, and creating jobs and school places, providing services locally leads to improvements, health and social care. care for older and disabled people, and savings and better outcomes for residents. The Government has signalled that the return boosting economic growth. The devolution deals of the past fi ve years – mostly in urban areas – have demonstrated the benefi ts of giving local leaders greater powers and resources. “New devolved powers need to be underpinned by Any new approach needs to build on the work of mayoral combined authorities to statute, so they cannot be rolled back by a simple develop a package of sustainably-funded change in government policy”

26 | first comment www.local.gov.uk group leaders’ comments

Councillor Nick Forbes CBE Councillor Howard Sykes MBE Councillor Marianne Overton is Leader of the is Leader of the MBE is Leader of the LGA’s Labour Group LGA’s Liberal Democrat Group LGA’s Independent Group

A collective vision A manifesto for the Speech covers critical for devolution next General Election issues for residents

“Outcomes improve and “The Queen’s Speech “Much of what was we get better value for has recycled pledges announced has been money when councils to tackle crime that do around for a long time, have the freedoms nothing to deal with the as Westminster has and funding to make root causes of crime in ground to a Brexit- local decisions” our communities” induced halt”

he lack of progress on sharing power 93-year-old pensioner got dragged out in uch like September’s Spending Round, this Tto a local level has led most councillors to Athe pouring rain to deliver a speech she Mpre-election Queen’s Speech promised think that this government has forgotten what didn’t write, with policies that won’t be much, but with little certainty of the current ‘devolution’ means. delivered, from a government without the government actually having to deliver it. So it was a pleasant surprise to see a numbers to govern, pushing an agenda that is Indeed, the Queen’s Speech may even be Devolution White Paper in the Queen’s Speech. ill-thought out and badly conceived. voted down for the fi rst time since 1924. But I fear it won’t deliver what is really needed. The Queen’s Speech was nothing more At the time of writing, there is still no I’ve been working with Labour leaders across than the Conservative manifesto for the next knowing whether there will be a Brexit delay England and Wales to form a collective vision for General Election. or a deal, and what might be in it! At the how the next Labour government should forge a And by the time you read this column, we LGA, we are working hard with ministers right very diff erent relationship with councils, based on may have some idea of when that will be. Or we up to the wire, to try to secure the best mutual respect and partnership. could have more of the farce that Parliament has possible arrangements. Local government is at the core of now become. Despite uncertainty, the LGA has worked responding to some of the biggest challenges we The road to hell is littered with good hard on helping to develop better legislation face, including housing, social care, and tackling intentions. The Queen’s Speech has a lot of and many of these issues are there, in the the climate emergency. There is signifi cant good intentions – if you can call them that. Queen’s Speech, and critical for our residents. evidence that outcomes improve and the It has references to yet another Progress around domestic abuse legislation, country gets better value for money when commitment to devolution, a possible business rates, funding for children with special councils have the freedoms and funding to make replacement for the millions of pounds of EU educational needs and disabilities (albeit local decisions. This has already been seen in funding that our poorer regions will lose, and yet top-sliced from education), social care, the Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, where another pledge on tackling the social care crisis. environment and building standards cannot be councils have a say over everything from health It also has wishy-washy commitments to kicked into the long grass. services to skills and transport. combat climate change and recycled pledges to Plans on further devolution, post-Brexit, are We need a Devolution Bill, but rather than a tackle crime that do nothing to deal with the also vitally important to get right, but detail is Tory-style top-down dictating to councils, Labour root causes of crime in our communities. lacking and much of what was announced has councillors want it to be co-produced between It was nothing more than a pointless speech been, in one form or another, around for a long local and national government. for a Prime Minster with no mandate. time as Westminster has ground to a Brexit- It should recognise the independence, Sorry Liz – you shouldn’t have been dragged induced halt. autonomy, and equality of regional and local out in the rain for this! So, while the plan for the next year may look government, and aim to provide all parts of positive, it is only meaningful if there is England with the powers and adequate funding cross-party support, drawn together by sound to improve services and put local people and leadership. Otherwise we’re just left, once again, communities at the heart of decision-making. with words.

For more information about the LGA’s political groups, see www.local.gov.uk

November 2019 first comment | 27 Independent Group Annual Conference 2019

Members of the Local Government Where: 18 Smith Square, London SW1P 3HZ Association (LGA) Independent Group are When: Friday 8 November 2019 invited to our annual conference to debate Time: 11am (registration from 10.30am) – 5pm for the big issues affecting local government. the main conference, followed by a drinks reception Hear experts, take part in workshops Who: Independent Councillors, Green Councillors and network with colleagues from across and other elected members outside the political England and Wales. affiliation of the Liberal Democrats, Labour and Conservative parties. Free to LGA Independent Group Members

Find out more www.local.gov.uk/lga-independent/events or contact Sarah Woodhouse on [email protected] telephone 020 7664 3206

28 | first adverts www.local.gov.uk Councillor John Fisher Getting the best for (Con) is Cabinet Member for Children’s Services at Norfolk County Council every child in care

Being a lead member for children’s services to fi nd safety quickly can mean that a child is one of the biggest responsibilities and gets placed in the fi rst available space. The honours in local government. The lives of “The need to find safety system has been reactive, focused on risk over the most vulnerable children really are in our quickly can mean that a outcomes, with the cost of placements for hands and we have the opportunity to make children with similar needs diff ering hugely. decisions that can, literally, transform lives. child gets placed in the Using Valuing Care we can be proactive, The challenge facing children’s services infl uencing the market so that we have the up and down the country is well-documented first available space” right placements to meet children’s needs – demand is rising and budgets are falling. and commissioning places based on what we In Norfolk, we’ve got an ambitious £15 million fully embedded into our reporting systems, know about our children. It also means we can ‘invest to save’ strategy, aimed at getting gives us a way of really understanding both give our foster carers or partners even more the right help to children and young people individual children and wider groups of information to help them support children in earlier, so that we improve their lives and children and young people, providing a their care to thrive. reduce costs. wealth of information that we can use when We’re not doing this work in isolation. Like all authorities, we want to do what commissioning placements and services. We have changed our fostering recruitment we can to help children live safely with their For example, our initial work found techniques so that we also better understand families and reduce the numbers coming that needs around mental and emotional who fosters, and target potential carers into care. However, we can’t do this at the health were particularly prevalent in more eff ectively. We’re creating an enhanced expense of those already in our care. That’s Norfolk and that children and young people fostering service so that carers can get the why we adopted Valuing Care, a specifi c needed more information about their life dedicated support they need to look after tool developed by consultants IMPOWER, to story – this gives us key areas to consider those with a wider range of needs. We’re also help us better understand our looked-after both when commissioning services and developing in-house, semi-independent children, their needs and their strengths. further developing social work practice. accommodation for our care leavers, with 24/7 As their corporate parents, we want The fi ndings also suggested that about 45 per support on site, as our young people move to to understand what will make the biggest cent of those in residential care – largely boys independence. diff erence to their lives and fi nd them the – could have their needs met in foster care, At a time when budgets are under strain, placements that can help them to achieve with the right carers. it’s only by thinking diff erently that we will get their potential. The average council is We’ve found that, in the past, the need the very best for every child in our care. spending £26 million per year on children in care. Despite this huge sum of money, we are not always getting the best outcomes for The National Children and Adult Services Conference takes place from 20-22 these children. November in Bournemouth. To fi nd out more, please visit www.local.gov.uk/events The Valuing Care tool, which is now

November 2019 first comment | 29 councillor Making scrutiny easier

Michael King is the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman

Every councillor knows the importance of the role they play in scrutinising their authority and holding it to account on behalf of their constituents. But how many are aware of the information already out there to help them do that – especially from their own ombudsman? The Local Government and Social • Compliance data – we ask councils for Care Ombudsman investigates complaints evidence they have implemented the about councils and social care providers recommendations we’ve made to put “Councillors can get a in England. Over recent years, we have released things right in a complaint. See whether handle on what their increasingly more information and become your council has complied with everything. more transparent about our investigations. If a council hasn’t complied, it may indicate local authority is doing We already publish lots of data, but poor corporate grasp and oversight. admittedly it might have taken the curious • Suitable remedies – you can fi nd the to learn from complaints inquisitor a little eff ort to translate what it all amount of cases where the council has and improve services meant for their council. The recent launch provided a suitable off er to put things right, of our interactive map – ‘Your council’s before we investigated. This can show a for everybody” performance’ – is a small step along this mature attitude towards accepting fault journey, but a giant leap towards making and making amends. staff on correct procedure – all designed to our data more accessible and relevant I have long believed the full value in stop the same problems recurring and for councillors. investigating problems with local government other people suff ering. With one click from our website homepage services rests in the wider learning that can be By looking at this information, councillors you can search for any English council, pull up shared from them. If we ask councils simply to can get a handle on what their local authority all our data on it, and easily compare it with fi x things one case at a time, and in isolation, is doing to learn from complaints and improve that of other similar authorities. This is some of we risk not doing justice to the courage services for everybody. the information you will fi nd: and persistence people sometimes show in We’ve already seen stories of elected • Uphold rates – the simple number of pursuing their case with the council and then members calling for a review of adult social complaints we receive is not such an bringing it to us. care services after analysing their council’s data intelligent way of judging local service This is why our map especially focuses on and realising we were investigating a larger quality. It is much more telling to see the ‘service improvement’ recommendations number, and upholding a higher proportion, of the type and proportion of complaints we make, by detailing each one the council complaints than other similar authorities. we uphold. Click through to see all the has agreed to. These are practical things such There are many other uses. The key thing individual cases where we found the as changing policies, reviewing the cases of is that scrutineers can use it to assess easily the council at fault. other people in a similar situation, or training local impact of current national issues. It adds to the range of other resources we have for See www.lgo.org.uk/your-councils-performance for the Local Government and councillors, like suggested scrutiny questions Social Care Ombudsman’s interactive map for our national topic reports. I urge you to check your council’s performance.

30 | first political www.local.gov.uk elections local by-elections A volatile electorate

Basingstoke and Deane, Bramley their part. Even when general and and Sherfi eld local elections coincide there is IND GAIN FROM CON ample evidence that many people 25.1% over Con Turnout 30% Professors Colin Rallings (right) choose diff erent parties on the and Michael Thrasher same visit to the polling station. Canterbury, Chestfi eld are Associate Members, The moral from this is that we Nuffi eld College, Oxford CON HELD should not read too much about 10.5% over Lib Dem Turnout 27.8% the possible outcome of one type The latest British Election Study report of election from actual results in another. Charnwood, Syston West highlights just how volatile the electorate The recent comfortable Liberal Democrat CON HELD has become. When it began in the early victory in the Tudor ward of Watford, for 1.9% over Green Turnout 18.1% 1960s, just one in eight voters changed their example, will have been no surprise in an allegiance between General Elections; now authority that has been under that party’s Corby, Beanfi eld LAB HELD some 50 per cent say they voted in diff erent control – and with a Lib Dem directly elected 22% over Con Turnout 27.1% ways between 2010 and 2017. mayor – since 2002. However, it has never This decline in unswerving party loyalties been able to turn that local dominance into Crawley, Tilgate has long been evident in local government victory in the diff erently drawn Watford CON HELD too. Although, to the dismay of purists, local parliamentary constituency. 26.7% over Lab Turnout 29% elections do usually refl ect overall national The Liberal Democrats held the trends, a signifi cant proportion of electors constituency of Taunton, Somerset, for most of Essex, Clacton East are now swayed by factors relevant to their 1997 to 2015 (latterly as Taunton Deane) and IND HELD community and make their choice accordingly. controlled the council throughout the 1990s. 0.2% over Con Turnout 26.7% Local issues, respected candidates, a The new Somerset West and Taunton District reaction against unpopular incumbent Council was narrowly won by the Liberal Hammersmith & Fulham, Fulham councils, and simply a view that one party is Democrats at its inaugural elections in May and Broadway more locally focused than its rivals can all play they have now added two gains in Taunton LAB HELD itself. Do not assume, though, that this means 19.9% over Con Turnout 31.7% they are poised to overturn the Conservatives’ Somerset West and Taunton, Norton near 16,000 majority from 2017. Fitzwarren and Staplegrove Ipswich, Alexandra A 16,000 Conservative majority is also the LIB DEM GAIN FROM IND LAB HELD hurdle facing the Liberal Democrats in South 15.1% over Con Turnout 25.9% 30.6% over Lib Dem Turnout 21.3% Cambridgeshire. Current MP Heidi Allen has now defected to Jo Swinson’s party and will Liverpool, Old Swan Somerset West and Taunton, Vivary be hoping to capitalise on her new party’s LAB HELD LIB DEM GAIN FROM CON local strength. 41.3% over Lib Turnout 18.6% 29.1% over Con Turnout 32.1% Following boundary changes in 2018, Luton, Icknield Watford, Tudor the Lib Dems took 30 out of 45 council seats, LAB GAIN FROM CON LIB DEM HELD raising the possibility of a credible General 1.4% over Con Turnout 27.2% 24.3% over Con Turnout 30.5% Election challenge in a strongly Remain voting area. However, with some of the Lib Dems’ best Rochford, Sweyne Park and Grange West Sussex, Three Bridges performing wards not actually in Ms Allen’s CON GAIN FROM RES CON HELD constituency, her task looks Herculean even in 12.3% over Lib Dem Turnout 21.9% 22.2% over Lab Turnout 25% these volatile times.

St Albans, Clarence Wiltshire, Ethandune For more details of these and LIB DEM HELD CON HELD previous local by-election results, 50.5% over Con Turnout 32.3% 14% over Lib Dem Turnout 38% please visit www.local.gov.uk/first

November 2019 first political | 31 LGA Annual Fire Conference 2020 10-11 March, Grand Hotel, Blackpool

The annual fire conference and exhibition is a key Funding remains an issue, and with the delay event in the conference calendar for senior fire of the next Spending Review it is vital that we officers and members of fire and rescue authorities. continue to make the case for fire and rescue authorities to secure the funding they need to The fire and rescue sector is in the midst provide a service which is fit for the future. of a programme of significant change. The Government’s Fire Reform Programme is The 2020 Fire Conference provides an opportunity progressing at pace with key areas of focus like to consider these issues further and look at the inspection and the Fire Standards Board coming future of the service. to fruition. The results of HMICFRS’ first two tranches of inspection are beginning to inform improvement activity across the sector. The publication of the Grenfell Inquiry’s first report in autumn 2019 and the final tranche of inspection reports in December 2019 will have an equally significant impact on the service.

To book your place visit www.local.gov.uk/events

LGA Annual Culture and Tourism Conference Portsmouth, 2-3 March 2020

Our annual culture and tourism conference offers delegates the chance to hear about the latest developments in culture and tourism from national speakers and funders, innovative and exciting practice from other councils, and discussion of some of the challenges and opportunities facing council culture and tourism teams across the country.

‘Making the most of your heritage’ is the theme this year. So, we’ll be exploring how councils are restoring old assets such as civic buildings and industrial sites, using local heritage and culture to build a sense of place and identity, and reinvigorating the high street.

To book your place visit: www.local.gov.uk/events