Local Government
 | "Local authorities and their partners…are pivotal to delivering sustainable communities" |
On the frontline
This year, the UK's 468 local authorities will spend over £80 billion on day to day services - over a quarter of all public expenditure. 20,000 Councillors represent local citizens and communities on these councils. They employ over 2 million people and deliver 700 different services.
Many of these services contribute to local quality of life but the SDC believes there is huge potential for local government to deliver much more long-term, sustainable solutions to local challenges. This will require local leadership, public engagement, public services which work together, and the commitment of central government.
The SDC is engaging at both central, regional, and local levels to enable and support the delivery of local sustainable development. There are many excellent examples of local authorities driving forward sustainable development.
Publications
» SDC Response to the Comprehensive Area Assessment consultation
» Financing Local Futures: a web resource to help those involved in local government financial decision-making to develop their own organisations' contributions to sustainable development.
» SDC Response to the Barker Review on Land Use and Planning
» Inspiring a Sustainable Local Future: a cross-government workshop on communicating clear messages to local government on sustainable development.
» Consultation on Local Strategic Partnerships: Shaping their future - A response from the SDC
» More facts on local government in England and Wales from the LGA, in Local Government Matters. (PDF)
 | The Next Steps - An Independent Review of Sustainable Development in the English Regions |
Good governance
Governance describes the way in which decisions are taken and implemented. Good governance is a key ingredient for a sustainable future and is one of five key principles in Securing the Future, the UK Government’s Sustainable Development Strategy.
For us, good governance is about effective participation, accountability, and transparency. It is about creating a responsive decision-making process which is fair, respectful, and creative.
As directly-elected public bodies, local authorities have a clear responsibility to nurture good systems of governance, to listen to the views of vulnerable and excluded people, and to respond to the diversity of opinions in their communities.
Other public sector partners – health providers and the police, for example – have key roles to play in enabling good governance. Firstly, by providing services which are responsive to the needs of local citizens and communities. Secondly, by working in partnership with other agencies and sectors, to deliver joined-up solutions to local challenges.
» UK Government's five key principles for sustainable development.
The Bigger Picture |
Our team
If you have questions about the work of the SDC in this area or would like to contribute, please contact, Denny Gray (Local Govt Policy Analyst) or Jayne Ashley (Regional Liaison) or Maria Arnold (Public Sector Policy Analyst).
- Change text size
