The chairman of the Local Government Association has written to new prime minister Boris Johnson to request that he introduces a new local government finance act.
Former London mayor Johnson was appointed prime minister this week after beating rival Jeremy Hunt in the Conservative Party leadership contest.
Johnson wasted no time in reshuffling his cabinet, moving local government minister Rishi Sunak to become chief secretary to the Treasury.
Robert Jenrick will replace James Brokenshire as secretary of state for housing, communities and local government while Esther McVey will become housing minister, attending the cabinet.
Jake Berry MP has been appointed minister of state for the Northern Powerhouse at the Cabinet Office and Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
2nd Housing & Regeneration Finance Summit
County Hall, October 31st, 2019
James Jamieson, who was elected earlier this month as Local Government Association chairman, said: “One of my first tasks has been to welcome the next prime minister.
“I have written to Boris Johnson asking for an early meeting to discuss how local government can work with him and his team to help deliver national priorities.
“I have highlighted how councils play a pivotal role in delivering change at a local level, and are uniquely placed to lead the delivery of joined-up services that change lives for the better.
“We want the new government to work with councils to help build strong local communities and services through a new devolution deal, by including new English devolution and local government finance bills in the next Queen’s Speech.”
Speaking after his election, Johnson said that he would make dealing with funding for social care a priority of his term in office.
He said: “My job is to protect you or your parents or grandparents from the fear of having to sell your home to pay for the costs of care.
“And so I am announcing now – on the steps of Downing Street – that we will fix the crisis in social care once and for all with a clear plan we have prepared to give every older person the dignity and security they deserve.”
Rob Whiteman, chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy, said the reshuffle represented a change of direction, with a new level of certainty on Brexit policy.
He said: “While businesses will welcome certainty, they have also expressed severe doubts regarding a no-deal Brexit.
“A no-deal scenario could impact on the tax yield that funds public services, which are already under substantial pressure from rising demographic demand, and so we would advise against damaging business and local economies.”
He said that Johnson’s policy pledges appeared to indicate the government will undertake more spending and borrowing.
“We urge all departments and the Treasury to focus on medium term risks and liabilities and not just the short term – not least tackling the UK’s sluggish productivity that holds back growth.”
Welcoming the appointment of Jenrick, David Williams, County Councils Network chairman-elect & leader of Hertfordshire County Council said: “The County Councils Network has had a strong relationship with his predecessors and I am sure this will continue with the new secretary of state and their ministers.
“As a County MP, he will understand the unique issues facing our member councils.”
He urged Jenrick to secure clarity from the Treasury on the status of the Spending Review.
