A wider conversation on the constitutional settlement is needed to secure the position of local government across the United Kingdom.
Key messages
The LGA has called for more powers to be devolved to local government. The Government's Cities and Local Government Devolution Bill is a positive step as it will give combined authorities the range of powers they need to create jobs, build homes, strengthen healthy communities and protect the vulnerable.
People in communities across the UK want more decisions that affect their lives to be taken closer to them. To achieve this we must transfer powers to the level of government closest to the people. Equally, for communities to have real faith that the local representatives that they elect have real powers to enact their wishes, the legal position of local government needs to be enhanced and secured.
Alongside legislative change, fiscal devolution with proper consideration of fair funding is also required to ensure that the public services are sustainable. Decisions about sustainable funding for services need to be made with a thorough understanding of local need and circumstances taken into account.
A wider conversation on the constitutional settlement is needed to secure the position of local government across the United Kingdom. This will ensure communities have confidence that the power to make decisions that affect their lives rests with the people who live and work among them. We do not believe this need delay progress of the Cities and Local Government Devolution Bill, the Scotland Bill or the Wales Bill.