Like everyone in the wider local government family, we have been digesting the Government’s pause and review of LGR, announced earlier this month.
Inevitably, there is much to discuss about the review and how it will affect every aspect of councils’ work – including CfGS’s areas of focus: governance and scrutiny.
But we should also hold on to the fact that this is a human story as well as a local government one.
People have been adjusting to huge changes on the horizon – to their lives and careers – only to see that future put on hold, and become less certain. That’s immensely unsettling and difficult, particularly when the day job is every bit as pressing as before.
Everything that local government does is built on personal stories as well as professional ones. Councillors give up big parts of their lives for communities, officers dedicate themselves to the services they deliver. And, of course, both do it all to improve the places and the lives they serve.
So, if you’re one of the members and officers facing this uncertainty, you’re central to our thoughts right now.
Howe we can help now
As we await more news, there are two things that we want to share with you right away.
The first is that we will be addressing the support we can provide for councils, councillors and officers facing LGR. As soon as we can say more about that, we will. (The best way not to miss out is to subscribe to the newsletter, btw.)
The second is that you don’t need to wait for that support to come along. CfGS is here now, and all our usual work – advice, consultancy, training, peer networks, practice guides and learning events – is continuing and available to you.
Most importantly, we also run a helpdesk for your scrutiny and governance questions. And we want to stress that any questions or thoughts you have right now are welcome and we’ll do our best to help.
We’re there to offer knowledge and insight, of course. But your experiences and reflections also inform our practice guides, learning events and wider CfGS offer – all aimed at helping colleagues like you.
So, for now, whether you’re facing LGR or not, know that we’re here and ready to help in whatever way we can.
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