First magazine lga f601 july 16 web final (1) 27 june 2016

No.601 July 2016 www.local.gov.uk

the magazine for local government Annual conference preview

“We need to start thinking about how we move beyond the here and now of devolution deal-making to ensure we deliver on our promises” Lord Porter, LGA Chairman

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interview:

21 Digital skills and growth How to upgrade residents’ IT skills

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16 Caroline Abrahams: Social care: ‘an almost impossible job’

28 Parliament: the Queen’s Speech New bills on schools and buses

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Conference time

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he LGA’s annual conference is one of the highlights of my year – an opportunity to meet with colleagues, reflect and plan ahead, and celebrate the very best of local government.

The key issues facing our sector – including finance, housing, devolution, and health and social care – will be debated in workshops and plenaries led by more than 100 speakers. You can find out more about what’s going on in Bournemouth in our lead feature, and get a feel for our Innovation Zone, which showcases the innovative ways councils are improving services (p8-9). Our interview is with Age UK’s Caroline Abrahams (p16), and our l ead comment, on digital skills, is from Rachel Neaman of Doteveryone (p21).

Both are speaking at annual conference.

Elsewhere in the magazine, we have features on a new, shared vision for integrating health and social care (p10), a report on MPs’ concerns about the impact of appeals on business rates reforms (p13), and comments on devolution from Greater Manchester and the District Councils’ Network (p25).

If you can’t make it to Bournemouth, you can follow what’s going on via Twitter using #LGAConf16 and online at www.local.gov.uk/conference.

Lord Porter is Chairman of the LGA

contents news

4 Fire-prone dryers

should be recalled Flash floods Armed Forces Day

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5 Supported housing

EU result

Brownfield regeneration

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27

Editor Karen Thornton

interview

16 Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director of Age UK

“The supply of social care is going down at exactly the wrong time and that’s no longer sustainable”

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Design & print TU ink www.tuink.co.uk Advertising James Pembroke Publishing Write to first: Local Government House, Smith Square, London SW1P 3HZ Email first@local.gov.uk Tel editorial 020 7664 3294 Tel advertising 020 7079 9365 Photography Photofusion, Dreamstime and Ingimage unless otherwise stated Interview Chris Sharp Circulation 17,800 (June 2016) first is published online at www.local.gov.uk/first at least two days before the magazine. To unsubscribe email first@oscar-research.co.uk The inclusion of an advert or insert in first does not imply endorsement by the LGA of any product or service. Contributors’ views are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of the LGA.

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10

features

8 Annual conference preview 10 Health and care integration 13 Business rates appeals 14 Crime and alcohol 15 Legacy of London 2012

comment 21 Digital skills 22 LGA chairman and

group leaders 24 Commercialisation 25 Combined

authorities, districts

and devolution 27 Homelessness

regulars 6 Letters and sound bites

28 Parliament – the Queen’s Speech 30 Councillor – local democracy 31 Local by-elections

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24/06/2016 13:29

news Recall ‘Russian roulette’ tumble dryers says LGA Dangerous tumble dryers are causing three fires a day and should be recalled to prevent other consumers falling victim to house fires, according to the LGA. It has warned that companies running lengthy repair programmes for potentially dangerous machines instead of recalling them are risking the lives of millions of customers.

Government statistics show there were 2,190 tumble dryer fires in the two years between 2012 and 2014 – equating to three a day.

Homes have been ruined and, in some

Flash flooding advice issued

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he LGA reiterated its advice to home owners and businesses about being prepared for flash floods in advance of flooding in London and the South East in late June.

This means regularly checking weather forecasts; knowing how to turn off gas, electricity and water; and having a contingency plan for moving essential items upstairs quickly.

If flash flooding hits, people should never try to walk or drive.

The LGA’s advice comes as research suggests the nation’s summer weather is becoming more volatile and global warming is leading to a spike in flash floods. In June, a major incident was declared in Cheshire, after flash floods hit. Elsewhere, flooding left cars submerged as torrential rain hit south London.

Councils up and down the country are launching awareness campaigns to highlight the dangers of flash flooding to residents and businesses.

They are also working in tandem with police and other emergency services to minimise disruption and help get affected families and businesses back on their feet.

The LGA has also called for developers

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cases, the machines have burst into flames as people loaded them with clothes.

As the representative body for 48 fire and rescue authorities in England and Wales, the LGA wants leading manufacturers to recall faulty dryers linked to thousands of fires caused by excess fluff contacting heating elements.

It is also calling for all white goods to have fire-proof markings on them, including the manufacturer, model and serial number, so they can be identified more easily if they are damaged after causing a fire.

Cllr Jeremy Hilton, Chair of the LGA’s Fire Services Management Committee, said: “People using faulty tumble dryers are unwittingly playing Russian roulette and leading manufacturers need to recall affected models as soon as possible to protect their customers.

“Firefighters are attending tumble dryer fires three times a day, which is alarming.

These defective products are endangering lives, causing thousands of pounds of damage to homes and making people homeless.

“People’s safety must be the priority. It’s been months since some manufacturers issued safety warnings over their tumble dryers but they need to be recalled as these appliances are still causing fires – until they do so, consumers continue to risk falling victim to a devastating and tragic house fire.

“Fire-proof markings on all white goods would also help improve manufacturing and safety standards by helping fire investigators identify the make and model of any appliance damaged after causing a fire.”

He added: “People must take simple precautions using tumble dryers. The compartment where fibres from fabric build up should be cleaned out after every load of clothes is dried, to reduce the risk of it igniting, and the vent or any other opening should not be covered.

“People should never leave tumble dryers on overnight or when they go out.”

Flying the flag

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ychavon was among the many councils across the country to raise a flag to mark Armed Forces Day on 25 June.

Cllr Frances Smith, Wychavon District Council’s Chairman (pictured, second left), said: “As a nation we owe a deep debt of gratitude to all those who made the ultimate sacrifice in giving their lives so that we might live. It is fitting that we acknowledge this debt by raising a flag for Armed Forces Day, ensuring we never forget what they did for us, while also remembering all those who still suffer as a result of conflict.”

to introduce a raft of new measures to ensure new homes and businesses are better protected against floods. It wants the Government to bring in mandatory anti-flood requirements for new homes in building regulations.

These include raised electrical sockets, fuse boxes, controls and wiring above floor level; ventilation brick covers; sealed floors; and raised damp-proof courses.

New flood defence funding should also be devolved to local areas, with councils working

with communities and businesses to ensure money is directed towards projects that best reflect local needs.

Cllr Peter Box, the LGA’s Environment Spokesman, said: “Flash floods can bring devastation to communities within a matter of minutes, causing enormous disruption to families and businesses. Councils have been doing everything they can to prepare for heavy rainfall by launching awareness campaigns to highlight the dangers.” www.local.gov.uk

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‘Exempt supported housing from benefit cap’ The LGA is calling for supported housing to be exempt from the housing benefit cap to protect the elderly, ex-homeless, people fleeing domestic violence, ex-offenders, and people with learning disabilities or mental health problems.

The Government has already announced the cap will come into force for social housing from April 2018 but is likely to confirm in July, following a review, whether this will also apply to supported accommodation.

The LGA is warning that some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged groups in society most in need of this type of housing won’t have enough money to cover the higher rental costs needed to run supported accommodation, which incurs higher maintenance costs and investment than general needs housing.

It would mean councils being faced with a scramble to find vulnerable tenants suitable accommodation and having to meet any shortfall in costs.

This could lead to some people being forced to remain in hospital, due to a lack of homes, which would undermine efforts to move people into the community and heap further pressure on the NHS. The LGA is also warning that if the cap was introduced, many supported housing schemes could be forced to close, leading

to a shortage of available homes.

And there are concerns that the many new supported housing developments needed to cope with increasing demand may never get built if the cap is applied.

More than 9,000 supported housing units previously expected to be built may not go ahead – which equates to 96 per cent of all developments within the sector, according to the National Housing Federation.

An estimated 156,000 units of existing supported and sheltered housing are also at risk of closure – 41 per cent of all existing schemes.

Cllr Izzi Seccombe, LGA Community Wellbeing Portfolio Holder, said: “Councils have real concerns over the risk to vulnerable residents if the Government goes ahead with its original proposals to apply the local housing allowance cap to supported accommodation.

“We fear that due to the current uncertainty in the market, many supported housing schemes are not being built, and existing places may be forced to close, leaving new tenants with nowhere to live. This will heap huge pressures onto councils who are already struggling to cope with and fund demand for housing and social care.

“It is vital that we ensure we continue to meet the needs of some of the most vulnerable people in our society, and that they live in homes that are fit for purpose.”

news in brief EU referendum

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s first went to press, the EU referendum result had just been announced.

The LGA responded by saying local government is going to be central in bringing communities together following the vote to leave – and councils need a seat around the table when decisions are made as to how to replace EU laws. “EU laws and regulations impact on many council services, such as waste, employment, health and safety, consumer protection and trading and environmental standards.

“There cannot be an assumption that power over these services is simply transferred from Brussels to Westminster. If services are delivered locally, then the power over how to run them should rest locally too. With greater control in our areas we can improve services and save money.

“Communities in England have been allocated £5.3 billion of EU regeneration funding up to 2020. It is important for the Government to guarantee it will protect this vital funding to avoid essential growthboosting projects stalling and local economies across England being stifled. The LGA will continue to represent the interests of English councils in Brussels as the UK’s exit from the EU is negotiated.”

See www.local.gov.uk for the latest from the LGA and next month’s first for reaction to the referendum result.

Jo Cox remembered

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he LGA and councils around the country held a minute’s silence on 22 June, to mark what would have been MP Jo Cox’s 42nd birthday. LGA Chairman Lord Porter sent condolences on behalf of local government to Ms Cox’s family and friends. Cllr Nick Forbes, Senior Vice-Chair of the LGA, said: “Jo was a committed campaigner and Labour politician who died carrying out her public service. We have all suffered a great loss.” See p23.

Brownfield regeneration

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lanning permission has been granted to build 660 new homes (pictured) on a brownfield site in Ashford that has lain derelict for over a decade. The mixed-use regeneration project at a former Powergen site is close to Ashford International Station. Cllr Gerry Clarkson, Leader of Ashford Borough Council, said: “Ashford continues to be a real draw for the very best commercial enterprises and remains the obvious choice for expanding, thriving and established businesses. This housing development on a brownfield site, so close to the international station, should greatly assist the revitalising of Ashford town centre.”

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Local elections

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n the May local elections, the Conservatives gained Peterborough from no overall control but lost Elmbridge and Worcester to no overall control. This meant that overall, the party was down by just one council – not two, as per the ‘Local elections 2016’ article in first 600.

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Children in care and reducing offending

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ollowing Lord Laming’s independent review into how children in care can be protected from unnecessary involvement in the criminal justice system (see www.prisontrust.org.uk), I am encouraged that here in Nottingham, we are on the right track to change the lives of young people in care for the better.

Our hard work has seen the number of cared for children remain constant in recent years and achieved a reduction in offending behaviour three times that of the national average.

Practice in children’s homes has changed; rather than calling the police in response to behaviour a dedicated ‘children in care police officer’ works closely with care staff and children, using the model of restorative justice.

The role, which is the first of its kind in the country, also provides training for residential staff on issues such as child sexual exploitation.

This approach to supporting young people who may be more vulnerable to crime, offending and sexual abuse has been praised as best practice by inspection agency Ofsted.

Our youth offending team (YOT) has also been recognised for its work to prevent offending and reduce re-offending using restorative justice. It is one of 33 organisations to be awarded the Restorative Justice Council’s Restorative Service Quality Mark (RSQM).

Research shows us that restorative practice can deliver better outcomes for young people across schools, care, community and the criminal justice system, and I am very proud of the hard work of the YOT, which is making a significant contribution to supporting vulnerable children in care in our city.

Cllr David Mellen (Lab), Portfolio Holder for Early Intervention and Early Years, Nottingham City Council

letters

Aftermath of election defeat I didn’t make it.

I’m one of those now former councillors that weren’t re-elected in the local elections on 5 May. At first, it didn’t hit me but a few days later I felt quite upset about it.

I have tried really hard. I was trying to be an active and proactive councillor. I did my best to serve the local community and come up with new ideas and initiatives which helped to create bridges and break down barriers. We did so much – from a community fun day to cooking projects, English classes for local migrants to health and sports days, and much more.

I have tried to have a positive attitude and put a smile on people’s faces, to be fair to all, and respond to any questions, emails or phone calls I received.

It is hard to be a Lib Dem councillor in a very Labour-orientated ward. I hoped that it wouldn’t matter because people would recognise my efforts. But turnout was poor and there were quite a few other things which went against me.

However, we did run a superb campaign and have elected five Lib Dem councillors – the first time ever in Welwyn Hatfield – which is great news.

I still feel so gutted, though. I love doing this. I believe in it so much and I know that I want to be a part of the ‘democratic process’. I feel down but I really want to stand again.

Michal Siewniak, former Lib Dem councillor, Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council

Taxes on businesses

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llr Morris-Jones is well off-beam in worrying about councils setting, collecting and expending business rates (first 600).

Councils have been collecting nondomestic rates for a very long time, well before the uniform business rate was introduced in 1990. Business rates have therefore been used to pay for the range of local government services for a very long time as well.

While many commentators regret it, the Government is not proposing that councils will have the power to increase business rates when local government funding is reformed by 2020. Since few councils will be able to afford to cut business rates, in most areas they will remain a tax set by the UK

What do you think? Please submit letters for publication by emailing first@local.gov.uk.

Letters may be edited and published online

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www.local.gov.uk

24/06/2016 14:28

Government, as they have been since 1990.

They are one of several taxes on businesses that are set by the UK Government – other examples include VAT, employers’ national insurance contributions and corporation tax, all of which exist without any business representation in the UK Parliament.

Ian Miller, Chief Executive, Wyre Forest District Council

Invest to save

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ur city hall has undergone an 18month refurbishment as part of Bristol City Council’s programme to work more efficiently and significantly reduce operational costs.

The refurbishment is part of the council’s ‘invest to save’ Bristol Workplace Programme that will realise £50 million net savings over the course of the programme.

The programme also includes reducing the council’s office estate from 38 buildings to two city centre hubs at City Hall and 100 Temple Street. Council running costs will be significantly reduced by managing a smaller estate of buildings; buildings no longer required will be sold realising useful capital receipts; and greater use of technology will help council staff work more efficiently and effectively.

Renovation works have seen the amount of office space quadruple. Previously the building held 500 staff, it now has capacity for 2,100 council workers. New LED lights have been installed throughout along with an energy efficient heating system, which will reduce energy consumption by 80 per cent – the equivalent of 450 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year with an estimated annual saving of £75,000.

The refurbishment is just one part of a much wider efficiency drive to ensure Bristol rises to the challenge of improving services while saving money.

Cllr Craig Cheney (Lab), Cabinet Member for Finance, Bristol City Council

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Raising rented property standards

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ith one in three residents in Waltham Forest renting privately, it’s important to protect our renters and make sure they are getting a fair deal. That’s why we launched our private rented property licencing scheme in April 2015 to drive up standards in the sector.

We’ve had more than 19,000 applications from landlords so far, which is a good start, but our goal is for every single privately rented home in the borough to be licenced.

To make this happen we are going further than most local authorities with similar schemes, and have gone out on the front foot with enforcement activity. We have already prosecuted 12 landlords for refusing to sign up to the scheme, with courts ordering fines and costs of over £60,000 to those convicted. In some cases landlords have ended up with individual bills of over £10,000 for ignoring our warnings.

We have also launched a programme of action days aimed at enforcing licence conditions, working with various partners including the police and UK Border Force.

We have visited more than 7,500 properties so far, which has resulted in a number of landlords being subject to prosecution for poor living conditions. Those found guilty of breaching the conditions of the licence can be fined up to £5,000.

As well as housing inspections, the action days see officers carry out checks for things like street cleanliness, fly-tipping, waste prevention and even hygiene conditions in food businesses. This multi-agency approach allows us to not only improve tenants’ living conditions, but also helps us to reduce anti-social behaviour and makes the whole area better for those who live around them.

We will continue our hard-hitting approach until rogue landlords become a thing of the past in Waltham Forest.

Cllr Khevyn Limbajee (Lab), Portfolio Lead Member for Housing, London Borough of Waltham Forest

sound bites Cllr Judith Blake (Lab, Leeds) “So shocked to hear news about @Jo_Cox1 My thoughts go out to her and her family.” www.twitter.com/cllrjudithblake Cllr Marianne Overton (Ind, Lincolnshire) “Heartfelt condolences to the family of Jo Cox MP, on their tragic loss. Jo was clearly a wonderful person snatched away too soon.” www.twitter.com/OvertonMarianne Cllr Sean Anstee (Con, Trafford) “An absolute honour to attend The Queen’s National Service of Thanksgiving today.” www.twitter.com/seananstee Cllr Laura Booth (Lib Dem, Stockport) “Very proud that finally my efforts to get Alan Newton Stockport’s first Olympian recognised with opening of the Alan Newton Way on 2nd July.” www.twitter.com/OffertonLaura Cllr Alan Rhodes (Lab, Nottinghamshire) “Congratulations to my good friend and colleague @AnneWestern on being awarded a CBE. Well deserved recognition for outstanding service.” www.twitter.com/CllrAlanRhodes Cllr Paul Spooner (Con, Guildford) “Awful news of latest mass shooting in the US. When will the US learn that guns available like sweets results in mass murder.” www.twitter.com/PaulKGB Do you have a blog or a Twitter account we should be following?

Let us know. Email first@local.gov.uk For LGA news follow @LGAnews

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features

Shaping the future This year’s LGA conference comes at a defining moment for councils, with local government driving the devolution agenda

everyday lives. We have long argued that with greater control in our areas, we can improve services and improve delivery.

Thanks to high-level backing from the Department for Communities and Local Government and the Treasury, we are now getting what we asked for – nearly 12 devolution deals have been agreed, with many more in the pipeline.

Local government is proving it has the maturity, the expertise and the will to take on more and deliver better outcomes for our communities. It’s true that we’ve come a long way in a short period of time but we don’t want to get caught up in the moment.

We need to all start thinking about what comes next and how we move beyond the here and now of devolution deal-making to ensure we deliver on our promises.

Lord Porter is Chairman of the LGA

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Photos: Chris Sharp/LGA

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t feels like every year the LGA’s annual conference takes on a greater sense of importance and significance than ever before. This year is no different.

There is much to discuss – finance, housing, devolution and health and social care, to name but a few. We have again collectively had to deal with unprecedented challenge while a spending review, two budgets and the local government finance settlement have reshaped the local government landscape yet again.

At the time of writing this, we still didn’t know the outcome of the EU referendum.

But whatever it is, it will definitely have an impact going forward.

I am proud of how councils continue to get on with the job. In true local government style, we are all making the most of a difficult situation.

There is no doubt that this year’s conference comes at a defining moment in our history.

Decades of centralised control over funding and services has distanced our residents from the decisions that affect their

This means being more ambitious in setting our own vision for the future and truly taking the lead. If we don’t, we risk someone else setting it for us.

Early deals have rightly been focused on growth and economic policy. It is now time to look at the wider agenda for devolution and public service reform. At our conference, we will be launching a paper to stimulate debate about some of the key principles which should underpin the next phase of devolution.

It will consider where we want to go in devolving and transforming services, where next on fiscal devolution, how we best engage our citizens, and what changes will be needed from Whitehall.

We want to explore questions like where do you think local government can make a real difference in outcomes for communities?

What drivers of growth should rest locally, and how might devolution reinvigorate local democracy?

I look forward to welcoming you – alongside our speakers and exhibitors – to Bournemouth to hear your views and answers to some of these important questions.

We are delighted that Communities Secretary Greg Clark MP will be speaking at the conference. We have another packed agenda and a line-up of speakers that will tackle a wide range of issues affecting local government over the course of the conference’s three days. They include National Infrastructure Commission Chair Lord Adonis, author and singer Billy Bragg, Environment Agency Chief Executive Sir James Bevan and DCLG Director General Louise Casey.

www.local.gov.uk

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Sharing innovation This year’s LGA annual conference will once again include an area dedicated to showcasing and sharing new ideas and innovative ways of improving council services and residents’ lives.

The Innovation Zone, now in its fourth year, is a vibrant, creative space and programme that allows councils to demonstrate, discuss, pitch and present their good practice to local government colleagues.

The zone’s themes this year are leadership, collaboration, integration of services, digitalisation and tools to enable successful innovation.

Confirmed speakers include Dave Hodgson, Elected Mayor of Bedford Borough Council, who will be discussing the schemes

As always, there is increasing pressure on councils to deliver more, or better, for less.

So yet again innovation will be a core theme of the conference this year. An Innovation Zone will be dedicated to showcasing the latest innovations in local government from the integration of services to how digitalisation can help councils improve services (see separate article, above, and p21).

Our conference app is now available to download. As with previous years, it contains all the important information you’ll need for the event as well as some advanced features to enhance the experience. It can be downloaded from Google Play or Apple’s app store.

The LGA’s annual conference takes place in Bournemouth from 5-7 July. To book your place and download the conference app, please visit www.local.gov.uk/events. If you are unable to attend, you can follow events on Twitter via #LGAConf16

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and projects that are making Bedford town centre an attractive destination for shopping, culture, and leisure (see first 594).

Cllr Sarah Russell, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills at Derby City Council, will be discussing the voice of young people in education and children’s services.

And West Suffolk’s focus on preventative work with families and communities – helping

people to help themselves – will be the focus of a presentation by Cllr Robin Millar, Portfolio Holder for Families and Communities at Forest Heath District Council.

Elsewhere, the BBC will be showcasing its ‘Make it digital’ programme to build its audiences’ digital skills and understanding, and the Design Council will outline its ‘Design in the public sector’ programme with the LGA. Sunday Assembly, a social enterprise, will present an interactive showcase of how it is working with councils to reduce social isolation, tackle mental ill-health and promote wellbeing.

And the Behavioural Insights Team, a social purpose company part-owned by government, will look at how local government can apply behavioural insights to key challenges, such as becoming more dementia-friendly or addressing the causes of domestic abuse.

To see the full programme of speakers and events, please visit www.local.gov.uk/ conference and click on ‘Innovation Zone’.

You can also access the LGA’s database of innovative council practice at www.local.gov. uk/innovation. Launched at last year’s annual conference with 120 examples, it now contains more than 800 – and you can put forward your own council’s innovations for inclusion, by emailing vicki.goddard@local.gov.uk

The LGA’s annual conference 2016 will feature more than 100 speakers including: • G reg Clark MP, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government • Lord Adonis, Chair of the National Infrastructure Commission • Sir James Bevan, Chief Executive of the Environment Agency • Tom Bloxham MBE, Group Chairman of Urban Splash • Billy Bragg, Songwriter and Author • Natalie Elphicke OBE, Chief Executive of the Housing and Finance Institute • Kim Johnson, President, National Association of Head Teachers • Norman Lamb MP, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Health • Mark Lancaster TD MP, Minister for

Defence Personnel and Veterans • Dr Ann Limb CBE DL, Chair of the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership • Cathy Newman, Journalist and TV Presenter • Simon Weston CBE, Falklands Veteran • Stephen Dorrell, Chairman of the NHS Confederation • Dame Louise Casey DBE CB, Director General, Department for Communities and Local Government • Lord Ahmed, Minister for Countering Extremism • John McDonnell MP, Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer

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Shared vision for integration With increasing numbers of older people needing health and care services, councils and NHS leaders need to work together to improve outcomes

Cllr Izzi Seccombe is the LGA’s Portfolio Holder for Community Wellbeing

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ealth and care leaders recently came together for the launch of an important piece of work: ‘Stepping up to the place: the key to successful health and care integration’.

Produced by the LGA in partnership with NHS Confederation, NHS Clinical Commissioners and the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS), it outlines our shared vision for health and care integration and how we can make it happen.

It includes all the essential components that underpin effective partnership working, which is the single most important factor in ensuring that we have a health and care system that improves our residents’ health and wellbeing, improves services and is sustainable in the long term.

Integration takes time, energy, commitment and resources – and during the hard times, sheer dogged determination – so it is also vital that we do it for the right reasons.

Integration is not an end in itself, nor is it a panacea for the daunting financial challenges facing the NHS and local government. Its purpose is to achieve the best possible health and wellbeing outcomes for our residents, keeping them well, independent and able to contribute to the prosperity of their communities. We can only do this by changing our model of care and support. This requires political, clinical, professional and community leaders to come together to understand the big challenges facing us, identify all the assets and resources we have and deploy them to get the best possible results.

This means not just developing new

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models of support but also taking hard decisions about decommissioning services that are no longer fit for purpose.

We are not starting from scratch.

In almost every area, there are tangible examples of professionals working together to develop innovative approaches to keeping people well, giving them more choice and control to achieve what is important to them, getting improved health and wellbeing outcomes and making better use of resources.

We’ve used the evidence from these areas to identify three key components at the core of effective integration.

Shared commitment requires all local leaders – clinical, political, professional

and community – to move away from organisational interests towards an emphasis on person-centred care that promotes wellbeing and independence throughout life, and to take responsibility for their own role in improving residents’ health.

Shared leadership and accountability require robust and transparent governance arrangements, building on the work of health and wellbeing boards. Key to this will be sustainability and transformation plans (see right).

Shared systems, including a common IT system, are needed to forecast demand, plan care, develop models to identify those most at risk so we can intervene effectively, and manage long-term payment and commissioning across all budgets. We need integrated workforce planning to ensure our staff have the skills and shared culture to provide the right care at the right time.

Health and social care face major financial and demographic challenges, meaning we have to change our model of support. We believe a shared local vision based on local populations’ health needs, and developed with local leaders, is the most effective way of using public resources to improve health and wellbeing.

We also need national leaders and policy makers to give us the freedoms, flexibilities and resources to develop local services that are fit for the future and that deliver lasting health improvements for everyone.

‘‘Stepping up to the place’ is available at http://bit.ly/1UuKp8T. Please let us know what support you need to help identify your local shared vision for integration by emailing alyson.morley@local.gov.uk.

Cllr Seccombe, Stephen Dorrell, Chairman of the NHS Confederation, Harold Bodmer, President of ADASS, and Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director of Age UK (see p16), will be discussing integration at a plenary session on ‘How do we tackle the financial crisis in health and social care?’ at the LGA’s annual conference on Wednesday 6 July. Please visit www.local.gov.uk/conference and follow the action on the day via Twitter using #LGAConf16

www.local.gov.uk

24/06/2016 13:39

Sustainability, transformation and local accountability By the end of June, every health and care system in England was due to have submitted their first proposals for how local services will evolve, improve and become more sustainable over the next five years, as part of multi-year sustainability and transformation plans (STPs).

Councils see STPs as a significant milestone towards achieving full integration of health and care by 2020 (see article, left).

But for STPs be effective, the LGA believes there needs to be proper engagement with the democratic process, in particular local health and wellbeing boards (HWBs). These were set up to implement the Government’s vision of a more integrated approach to health and social care, are hosted by councils, and are the only places where local political, clinical and professional leaders come together.

Since the LGA raised concerns with ministers and senior NHS leaders about the lack of local government involvement, and particularly of HWBs, in agreeing the

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geographical ‘footprints’ for STPs, there have been positive signs of change.

It is still early days, but there has been a tangible shift in the NHS’ willingness to engage with local government, both at national level and in a growing number of local areas.

In many areas, HWBs have driven the move to a place-based approach and made a big difference transforming services. This has been achieved through creating new alliances and ensuring greater accountability of the NHS by enabling local people’s voices to be heard.

Since their introduction in 2012, HWBs have begun to play a genuine leadership role across local health and care, according to a recent report ‘The force begins to awaken’, the third annual review of HWBs commissioned

by the LGA, identifies that a significant number have driven important changes across their local health and care system. But for others, their potential has yet to be fulfilled.

The report says that the litmus test of a more effective board is one that addresses health and wellbeing from a whole place perspective rather than focusing on single issues such as diabetes or obesity.

All the boards consulted were able to provide examples of where they have had a real impact. Examples include taking action on links between gambling and health, having a more effective relationship with police, and carrying out work on mental health. Others have been able to create new co-commissioning posts and have built better relationships with providers.

In developing STPs, ignoring HWBs would be a big mistake, and a missed opportunity to build on the good progress that has been made to deliver our ambitions for integration.

‘The force begins to awaken: a third review of the state of health and wellbeing boards’ is available at http://bit.ly/21FB6CH

24/06/2016 13:39

Join us at the LGA annual conference for our workshop on 6 July 11:15am in the Bayview Suite

Be prepared to get involved!

‘Getting ready for 2020’

What are you doing to get your public services ready for 2020?

Capita is supporting local authorities through major changes in the way they deliver services, maximise their assets and achieve sustainability. We make sure our partners achieve what’s required of them and also help them make the most out of the opportunities that arise from change.

Through careful listening and detailed exploration we create the right flexible solutions for you that drive down costs or creates new revenue streams whilst providing better customer experiences. And we don’t just design the solutions; we also deliver them, committing to defined costs and high quality standards.

So, however simple or complex your challenge, we can combine talent with technology to make it happen. We enable you to make a real difference.

Contact us: 020 7799 1525 www.capita.com Follow us @Capitaplc @LocalGovMatters LGA FIRST July16 8-15 feats.indd 12

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Business rates appeals MPs reviewing progress on retention of business rates by local government have raised concerns about the impact of appeals

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he issue of business rates appeals remains a “significant concern” to local authorities and must be “resolved” before the Government pushes ahead with business rate changes.

So says the Commons’ Communities and Local Government (CLG) Select Committee, in an interim report on the move to local government retention of business rates.

The committee said it had found that the impact of appeals by ratepayers is dwarfing increases in business rates revenue and affecting growth incentives.

According to the LGA, almost 900,000 businesses have challenged their business rates bills since 2010, and over the past three years councils have been forced to divert at least £1.75 billion from stretched local services to cover the risk of back-dated appeals.

“The committee is right to highlight the need to tackle this growing problem before any new system is introduced,” said Cllr Claire Kober, LGA Resources Portfolio Holder.

“Under local retention of business rates, councils could be liable for 100 per cent of the cost of successful appeals.

“Improvements to the appeals system are essential to avoid the need for councils to set aside such significant sums of money that they could otherwise invest in local services.”

The CLG Committee proposes a number of options to resolve the problem. These July 2016

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include dealing with appeals outside the business rates retention system and funding them separately.

Implementing local government retention of business rates by 2020 will require radical reform of the local government finance system.

The Government wants the increase in business rate income to be used by councils to pay for a range of new responsibilities that are still to be decided, and to replace current government grant funding to run specific services.

MPs on the CLG committee believe councils need reassurance that they will not be required to take on new responsibilities that are, or will become, unaffordable.

Cllr Kober said: “The LGA Task and Finish group that I chair has agreed a set of principles and criteria for a new system. No matter which new services councils agree to take on, it is absolutely crucial that the amount of extra business rates income kept by councils matches the cost of those services now and in the future.

“Councils are keen to take on services that support local economies and drive local growth. For example, handing over responsibility to pay for skills and transport services would allow local areas to close skills gaps, improve public transport and boost businesses.

“As every penny will count in giving councils the best chance of protecting services over the next few years, the

Government also needs to allow councils to use some of the extra business rates income to plug existing funding gaps or ease some of the long-term financial challenges they face.”

The CLG committee will produce a final report on business rates retention later in the year. Chair Clive Betts MP said: “Our interim report has highlighted a host of issues regarding the reformed business rates system and we are calling on the Government to take these on board and work closely with local government to find the necessary solutions.”

The LGA continues to work alongside government on how the new business rates system should be designed to maximise the potential it offers to our local communities and businesses.

A member-led task and finish group has been established to oversee the work of the LGA on local government retention of business rates. Membership of the group is drawn from councillors on relevant LGA boards and portfolios on a cross-party basis.

In addition, at the officer level, a steering group and sub-groups have been set up to consider the detailed design of the scheme.

The groups will look at key aspects of the reforms including needs and distribution, and new service responsibilities.

Please visit www.local.gov.uk/ business-rates for more information on business rates reform, including reports from the various working groups and a new guide to business rates retention called ‘Don’t be left in the dark’

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24/06/2016 13:39

Over the limit Cllr Simon Blackburn is Chairman of the LGA’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board

Despite falls in alcohol-related violence and the number of underage drinkers, alcohol remains a major driver of crime and anti-social behaviour in our communities

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he Government’s Modern Crime Prevention Strategy highlights the need for councils and their partners to remain flexible and fleet of foot as they respond to emerging and changing issues.

The strategy, focused around seven drivers of crime, sets out how government plans to tackle some of these problems, including the rise of zombie knives, child sexual exploitation and psychoactive substances.

But some long-standing problems remain to be tackled. In particular, the strategy singles out alcohol for its own chapter, as a major driver of crime.

This is despite some significant improvements. Since 2007, alcohol-related violence has fallen by 40 per cent, while the number of underage drinkers is the lowest since records began in 1988. However, speak to any councillor and they will be able to tell you of particular local hotspots where issues remain, and the strategy sets out a range of measures aimed at further reducing this local harm.

These include putting cumulative impact policies on a statutory footing, which will help councils tackle an area overcrowded with problem premises; and making the

late-night levy more flexible, which should help those that want to use it more surgically rather than across their whole council area.

These are common sense proposals and measures the LGA has long campaigned for.

Also welcome, although somewhat vague in detail, are proposals to ensure that councils have the right analytical tools and information to make the right decisions, and to encourage data sharing between NHS trusts and licensing authorities. The proposal for a Group Review Intervention Power (GRIP) would allow councils to review a group of licensees in one go, but it remains to be seen whether this will work in practice, or simply result in a dozen lawyers challenging our decisions rather than one or two.

However, it is on partnership working that the strategy focuses, and rightly so.

Night-time economies are estimated to bring in over £60 billion to local authorities every year, and the vast majority of people enjoy a night out safely and sensibly. But supporting communities which are marred by alcohol-related crime, driving responsible residents away from their town centres and undermining the potential of night-time economies as drivers of growth, is something that we can’t do alone – however ambitious our economic vision and licensing policy.

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In addition to a second round of local alcohol action areas (LAAAs), the strategy commits to investing further in the sort of partnerships that, anecdotally, have proven to be so effective at tackling local problems.

Local alcohol partnership schemes (LAPs) such as Best Bar None, Pubwatch, Purple Flag, Community Alcohol Partnerships (CAPs) and the Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) work with local authorities, police and voluntary groups to drive down alcohol-related harm. The schemes are supported by alcohol businesses – from national producers to local pubs and retailers – and work closely with other initiatives such as street pastors and business improvement districts. They come together to discuss matters of common interest under the Local Alcohol Partnerships Group, facilitated by the Portman Group – the social responsibility body for the drinks industry.

LAPs are active all over the UK – a visible indication of the commitment by businesses to improve the safety, vibrancy and growth potential of night-time economies. To date, there are more than 650 registered Pubwatches, 100 CAPs, 62 Purple Flag accredited areas, 55 Best Bar None schemes and almost 1.5 million PASS cards in circulation.

Our aim is to work with industry to further tailor these schemes to meet emerging needs.

If you are funding a new scheme, or would like to work with the Portman Group to identify what best fits your area, then please email community.safety@local.gov.uk www.local.gov.uk

24/06/2016 13:39

As the world gets ready for the Rio Olympic Games next month, what has been the legacy of London 2012?

A sporting legacy Cllr Ian Stephens is Chair of the LGA’s Culture, Tourism and Sport Board

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Photo courtesy of Middlesbrough Council

rom 2005, when the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games were awarded to the UK, councils were central to the preparations and successful delivery of the Games.

From organising the Torch Relay to installing TV screens in city and town centres and running taster sessions in different sports, councils across the country ensured that the 2012 Games were a nationwide occasion that involved communities.

Of course, the Host Boroughs in London and Host Cities around the country were at the forefront, and made the most of the opportunities to deliver benefits for communities. For example, the London Borough of Greenwich developed training initiatives to get more local people employed within the 2012 Games workforce while Essex County Council hosted mountain biking and encouraged local people to use the new facilities.

As the world gets ready for Rio 2016,

Tour de Yorkshire 2016

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it is a good time to reflect on our own legacy from the Games, and in particular the pledge to achieve a step-change in the nation’s sport and physical activity.

The statistics paint a mixed picture.

Although overall participation in sport and physical activity has dipped slightly since the 2012 Games, 1.75 million more people are active than in 2005.

There have been some notable successes.

Tennis, cycling and athletics have all seen increases in participation since 2012. All three sports’ national governing bodies have worked closely with councils to engage new people in sport, via initiatives such as Tennis in the Park, Go Ride and the hugely popular parkrun events (see www.parkrun.org.uk).

After hosting the stage two start of the 2014 Tour de France Grand Départ, councils in Yorkshire worked with partners to host

“The Games attracted visitors, boosted business through new contracts and showed the world that we can deliver the biggest events”

Local tennis coaching

the inaugural Tour de Yorkshire in 2015. After a successful 2016 race culminated in a sprint finish on 1 May, they are already gearing up for next year’s event. Nearly four million people have watched the Tour de France and Tour de Yorkshire (www.letour.yorkshire.com), with combined economic benefits estimated at £152 million.

The LGA has been at the heart of calls for a new approach to sport and physical activity that recognises the success of locally-led schemes. It is positive that Sport England’s new strategy will encourage people of all abilities to get active and provide more funding to councils and local partners.

The 2012 Games was the first time the Olympic and Paralympic Games were planned together and the profile of disability sport is now much higher. Councils and partners continue to develop opportunities for more disabled people to get active, although more still needs to be done.

The Games were also about more than sport. They attracted visitors, boosted business through new contracts and showed the world that we can deliver the biggest events. For example, the Torch Relay was a huge logistical challenge. Councils processed thousands of road closures, recruited an army of volunteer marshals, managed crowds and cleaned up after the cavalcade.

The Cultural Olympiad also ran alongside the 2012 Games to encourage participation in the arts. East Lindsey District Council, with Arts Council England, embraced the Cultural Olympiad to raise the profile of its summer festival, SO. The SO Festival, now organised by the Magna Vitae Trust (www.magna vitae.org), is a leading outdoor cultural festival attracting 80,000 people and has increased visitor spending by over £1 million.

As we look forward to cheering on Team GB in Rio this summer, there is plenty of evidence that the spirit of 2012 is still alive.

The council-organised 2012 Torch Relay

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24/06/2016 13:39

interview Celebrating older people Councils are at risk of “falling over financially” because of the social care funding crisis, warns Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director of older people’s charity Age UK

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aroline Abrahams is positive about the benefits of an ageing population. We are living longer, far more older people are working, and there is more recognition of the contribution they make to society – through work, but also as carers of partners, wives and husbands (saving the country £6 billion a year, according to Age UK), and as volunteers.

“But we’ve got to front up to what that means in terms of the support people need,” she says.

And that means sorting out the social care funding crisis – Age UK’s number one concern for older people – by reopening the spending review, if neccessary.

“We’ve been calling it a crisis for ages.

What comes next after a crisis?” says Ms Abrahams.

“What’s different this year is the real concern that some councils could fall over altogether financially. If what we are seeing is so much unmet need as a result of the spending review, and councils in really serious difficulty meeting their statutory duties, then the Government ought to be prepared to reopen the spending review.

“Also, in some parts of the country, particularly more affluent places, it’s becoming almost impossible to recruit care staff. So even if you’ve got lots of money as an older person you can’t actually buy the care because people won’t do the

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job. They earn more money on the supermarket checkout.”

She adds: “If you need social care, by definition you are quite vulnerable. It’s the older people who are in least position to be able to sustain a reduction in service who are on the wrong end of this at the moment.”

Social care funding has plateaued then fallen sharply over the last few years at the same time as the number of older people and disabled adults has increased.

Ms Abrahams says: “The supply of social care is going down at exactly the wrong time. There comes a point at which that’s no longer sustainable and we think we’re pretty much there.”

She expresses gratitude for the “great work” councils and councillors do on behalf of older people, and sympathy for the “almost impossible job” they often find themselves in, of having to “spread the resources too thinly among a growing group of very needy older people”.

“It’s just a miserable situation all round and we are deeply concerned about what it means for older people, but also for their families and their carers. And it’s not fair on councils either,” she says.

She’s quite clear about what needs to change.

“We’re very often alongside the LGA, the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) and councils individually in trying to argue with the Government www.local.gov.uk

24/06/2016 14:22

“The supply of social care is going down at exactly the wrong time.

There comes a point at which that’s no longer sustainable and we think we’re pretty much there” is the way forward? Ms Abrahams is sceptical.

“The jury is out as to whether integration in itself is going to solve the problem,” she says.

“It’s not going to magic up lots of new resource. It might make people work more efficiently and reduce duplication and gaps.

“But we are so far behind where we need to be with social care funding that we’re pretty clear that we need significantly more money. It should be both funding and integration.”

Age UK is running its own integrated care programme with councils and NHS bodies in 50 parts of the country, focusing on providing individualised support to very frail or unwell older people who might be expected to go into hospital. Ms Abrahams says the results have been impressive.

But she is also keeping an eye on areabased integration, notably in Manchester, “the biggest and boldest experiment”, where the area’s £6 billion-plus health and social care budget has been devolved to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

“Our worry is again about money,” she says.

“It seems to us that the Government thinks that devolution will save money.

My understanding of what people in Manchester are saying is that they are underfunded to start with. There is quite a difference between those two positions.”

Age UK, she says, stands ready to have a real debate with all parties about what to do about social care funding – with nothing ‘off the table’, including universal benefits.

Chris Sharp

about the need for more funding for adult social care.

“It feels as though successive governments have kicked the can down the road, and just thought this is too difficult.

They have had a look at it, baulked at the cost and retreated again.”

There has been one change in the care debate, though – the growing recognition of the impact of an underfunded social care system on health services, as reflected in monthly figures on delayed discharges of patients from hospitals. Even NHS Chief Executive Simon Stevens has suggested any extra funding should go to social care.

“The NHS is becoming one of the strongest advocates for more money for social care and that’s through enlightened self-interest because it realises it can’t do it all itself,” says Ms Abrahams.

“It costs much more to keep someone in a hospital bed than it does to give them care at home or even in a care home. It’s a bit of a silly use of resources.”

So does that mean that integration of care and health services – much trumpeted but in many places in the early stages of delivery –

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first interview | 17

24/06/2016 14:22

Chris Sharp

“We’ve been calling it a crisis [in social care funding] for ages. What’s different this year is the real concern that some councils could fall over altogether financially”

“If government wants to take a step back and look at all the support going to older people and whether it’s being used in the best possible way, that’s fine. But I don’t think there are any simple magic bullets,” says Ms Abrahams.

“A free bus pass does help older people stay in touch with their friends and get out and about. We know now in a way we didn’t a few years ago just how important that is for their physical and mental health given how big a problem loneliness is for older people.”

Age UK, which provides services for and lobbies on behalf of older people, has a busy year ahead. It is promoting a round table looking at capping care costs, along the lines of the Dilnot reforms which were deferred to 2020 last year in response to concerns about the state of social care funding.

Ministers say they are still committed to introducing a care cap, according to Ms Abrahams – and any conversations around this need to start soon, in good time for the 2018 spending review.

“Our view is that the need for some kind of protection for older people against the fear of endlessly spiralling costs remains.

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It’s a different question as to whether the Dilnot approach was the best and the right way of meeting it,” she says.

The charity is also looking to extend its ‘age champions’ scheme for MPs and Peers to councillors (“that isn’t about money, it’s about attitude and being more age aware”); warns it will “throw the kitchen sink” at the Government if it goes ahead with plans to localise attendance allowance as part of reforms to business rates; and is planning a campaign around the importance of local infrastructure to older people – transport, housing, public spaces, and other councilrun and voluntary services.

Ms Abrahams says: “We want to point out how important all those things are to older people. It’s not just about what’s going on

in their own four walls but what’s going on in their own neighbourhood. It makes a huge difference to older people. And all of that is being threatened by austerity.”

As a former LGA programme director, she is a big supporter of the role of councils and councillors in supporting the wider needs of an ageing population, while acknowledging the financial constraints they are under.

But she adds: “The more we can do to just preserve what preventative capacity there is in the system, the better. That again is terribly hard for councils which are faced with horrible, horrible choices about what they can keep doing and what they can’t. In the end, we will regret it in a few years’ time if all the preventative stuff goes. It just ratchets up the demand on everything else.”

Caroline Abrahams will be speaking on the financial crisis in health and social care at the LGA’s annual conference on 6 July, alongside Stephen Dorrell, Chairman of the NHS Confederation; Harold Bodmer, President of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services; and Cllr Izzi Seccombe, LGA Portfolio Holder for Community Wellbeing. For more information please visit www.local.gov.uk/conference and follow the debate via Twitter using #LGAconf16

www.local.gov.uk

24/06/2016 14:22

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24/06/2016 14:22

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24/06/2016 19/05/2016 14:33 13:52

16 13:52

comment Digital councils and social inclusion Rachel Neaman is Campus Director of Doteveryone

The UK is facing a major digital skills crisis.

For those of us who own a smartphone, use apps and social media, and shop and bank online, this may come as a surprise.

But the reality is that we have a technology skills shortage at all levels, from the very basic right up to the most advanced skills.

Across the UK, 12.6 million adults – almost one in four – and 1.2 million small and medium-sized businesses lack the basic skills needed to send an email, apply for a job, or shop online. At the same time, businesses say 85 per cent of technical positions are difficult to fill because of a lack of specialist skills.

Having digital skills improves a whole range of outcomes, including employability, financial inclusion, social mobility, and health and wellbeing. We know that online households are on average £744 a year better off.

Proportionately, lower-income households save even more. Those with an annual income of less than £15,000 save on average £516 per year, equivalent to six weekly family shops.

For organisations, digital skills improve profitability, efficiency, productivity, employee engagement and customer satisfaction. Once in work, people with good digital skills earn between 3 and 10 per cent more than those

“Having digital skills improves a whole range of outcomes, including employability, financial inclusion, social mobility, and health and wellbeing” without. But without digital skills it is almost impossible to find or apply for a job.

Ensuring the adult population is fit for the digital age would cost £1.65 billion up to 2025, but the net present value would be a staggering £14.3 billion – almost £10 for every £1 spent.

So what does all this mean for local government? Councils need to find cheaper and more effective ways of delivering services to their residents. At the same time, users of digital technology now expect to interact with local government in the same way they do in other areas of their life – wherever and whenever they choose, in a personalised way.

In London, Hammersmith and Fulham’s online self-service portal has saved £1.15 million annually, with 70 per cent of households registered. Barking and Dagenham has achieved a 100 per cent digital shift for benefit claims, reducing processing time by 30 days and saving £617,000 annually.

Back-office changes can also save money while increasing the digital know-how of staff.

Hillingdon saved £750,000 a year by moving to Google Apps and Shropshire Council’s Project WIP open source website service saved £204,000 over five years.

But councils cannot afford to ignore those

See www.doteveryone.org.uk for more information and resources. Rachel Neaman is speaking on digitalisation at the LGA’s annual conference in Bournemouth on Wednesday 6 July, see www.local.gov.uk/conference

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who are unable to transact with them this way.

Ironically, the highest users of public services are those least likely to be digitally capable.

To help local councils and other organisations, Doteveryone produced the first ever UK digital exclusion heatmap (see www.doteveryone. org.uk/resources/heatmap), which shows a clear correlation between digital exclusion and other social factors, with those in lower socio-economic groups, retired, unemployed, in poor health and less educationally qualified at greatest risk. By addressing digital exclusion we can also help address social exclusion.

Doteveryone also created an online resource centre and interactive platform called Go ON Local (see www.local.go-on.co.uk), that supports organisations and individuals looking to help people with their digital skills. We’re using this platform in community projects in Croydon and Lewisham to test, learn and share new ways of reaching those most in need of support. Our Go ON North East and Go ON North West regional projects also highlighted how concerted cross-sector effort across a whole region can dramatically increase skills.

It’s now time to scale up that good practice and ensure digital councils become the norm.

As they embrace digitisation, councils have not only a real opportunity but a clear responsibility to support those most at risk of digital exclusion. By understanding the risk factors affecting their residents, local government can play its part in addressing the digital skills crisis.

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24/06/2016 14:33

group leaders’ comments Devolution debate and business rates

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any of you will receive this edition of first just as you are making your final preparations for the LGA conference in Bournemouth. Conference provides a unique opportunity for us to come together and review the year just gone and look forward to the coming 12 months.

While a wide range of issues will be covered over the three days, two topics are likely to dominate our discussions: devolution and the localisation of business rates. Over the past year we have seen considerable progress in relation to devolution deals around the country, resulting in more powers in key policy

areas such as transport, skills and health, as well as particular local priorities such as culture and tourism, being transferred from Whitehall to local communities.

The most recent devolution deals announced in the Budget demonstrate that the Government clearly recognises that the benefits of devolution need to be spread to non-metropolitan areas in order that the whole country can benefit from this.

Meanwhile, local retention of business rates has been a long-standing ask of local government and this will now take place by 2020.

It will allow us to create a business rates

“The Government recognises that the benefits of devolution need to be spread to non-metropolitan areas so that the whole country can benefit from this”

Cllr David Hodge is Leader of the LGA’s Conservative Group

system which is buoyant, responsive to local needs and which will promote local growth through incentives. There are many details and issues to be sorted out before the new system can be put in place and work within the LGA, as well as discussions with the Department for Communities and Local Government, is already taking place. Conference provides an ideal opportunity for us to examine the work to date and look ahead to what we hope to achieve over the coming 12 months.

I am proud that our Conservative Government has embarked on such a radical programme of local reforms and I look forward to lively discussions during conference.

chairman’s comment

Highlights of the Queen’s Speech

Lord Porter is Chairman of the LGA

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hen the Queen stood in the Lords and delivered the Government’s vision for the coming year, I was pleased to again see recognition for the important role councils play in our communities.

As expected, the devolution of business rates income will be brought forward through the Local Growth and Jobs Bill later in the parliamentary year. A lot of work is going on to make sure we get the new system right. I want to thank those who have been involved in the many meetings and conversations that are happening around the country. It is vital that local

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government is driving this agenda forward and working with government to find a workable solution.

In June, the Bus Services Bill made its way into the Lords. Giving local authorities the chance to take the wheel – excuse the pun – on bus services is a positive step for our communities. But it’s important that all councils, regardless of whether they are part of a combined authority or have a mayor, have access to franchising powers.

We will be working on a cross-party basis and with government to amend the bill so that all councils get access to these franchising powers.

The Education for All Bill is also high on our agenda. While the Government has re-thought its approach on forced

academisation, I know that there are still some concerns within the sector. There will be a dedicated session at this year’s LGA annual conference to discuss the proposals set out in the Educational Excellence Everywhere White Paper and debate the impact that this will have on local government. I hope that many of you will take the time to get involved in this discussion.

Annual conference is one of the highlights of my year. I look forward to the opportunity to meet with colleagues, reflect on the year that was, plan for the year ahead, and celebrate the very best of local government. I look forward to seeing you there: if you see me, make sure you come and say hello.

“A lot of work is going on to make sure we get the new system of business rates right” www.local.gov.uk

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group leaders’ comments

Cllr Marianne Overton MBE is Leader of the LGA’s Independent Group

Cllr Nick Forbes is Leader of the LGA’s Labour Group

Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson is Leader of the LGA’s Liberal Democrat Group

A great and unthinkable loss

A more consensual approach to politics

Missing the devolution train

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s I write this, the sad news of the death of Jo Cox MP is still reverberating around the country.

On behalf of Labour councillors and all the LGA Labour Group, I wish to express our deepest condolences to Jo’s family. Jo was a committed campaigner and Labour politician who died carrying out her public service. We have all suffered a great and unthinkable loss.

British politics has always relied on our elected politicians being visible and accessible to their constituents. This heart-rending death is a shocking assault on the most precious aspect of our democracy – the ability to speak directly to our elected representatives about our issues and concerns and have them heard.

This is not only the murder of a hardworking and popular local MP and young mother, but an attack on the fabric of our open and accountable political culture.

All across the country councillors of all parties work diligently to serve their communities. They visit people in their homes, hold surgeries, attend meetings and work early mornings and late evenings in order to be accessible to their constituents – it’s an important part of our democracy and one that we as elected representatives will honour for Jo, and for the values of our free and fair democracy that we hold dear.

We pay tribute to Jo Cox MP and all that she achieved in public life and beyond.

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trong representation from big personalities on both sides of the debate, giving estimates and likelihoods on a landscape of shifting sand, has meant the majority of people seem undecided on what to vote for, as I write, with the outcome of the EU referendum due as first went to press.

The EU debate is a national rather than a local government debate, and without any ground for consensus for the LGA. Once over, we will see if the referendum debate has created a shift away from the current seat of power towards other influential MPs who have different ideas.

In or out of Europe, the consequences will need careful management of how they affect our economy. No one party or group has all the answers, so I firmly believe it’s time for a more consensual approach to politics.

Whatever the outcome of the debate, there is surely recognition of a better way to do democracy with a less adversarial approach.

Individual elected members represent many constituents and each has an important role in getting the best decisions.

Calls from the Independent Group for a better democracy are finally being heard, putting us at the heart of changing British politics. Listening carefully, looking at the facts and working together on the best outcomes for our residents simply makes sense to us and to the public.

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“This is an attack on the fabric of our open and accountable political culture”

“Whatever the outcome of the EU debate, there is surely a better way to do democracy with a less adversarial approach”

“We need to stop devolution becoming the playground of the men in suits”

e wait with bated breath the outcome of the EU referendum vote and the resulting impact on local government, our communities and the services we provide. Whatever the result, you cannot understate its impact, and how that will be felt across the country.

Meanwhile, as the local government family meets in Bournemouth for the LGA’s annual conference, one of the top topics for discussion will be the ongoing journey of the devolution train and what happens next for our family.

We are not in the driver’s seat. Sadly, communities and many councillors are beginning to feel like passengers waiting on rain-drenched platforms as the devolution train rushes through the station, showering them in water and leaving them behind – wondering what on earth is going on, and why am I not on that train?

As community leaders we need to ask ourselves what are we doing to encourage local debate, scrutinise those deals, and involve backbenchers and opposition councillors in the discussions. We need to stop it becoming the playground of the men in suits, who sadly run a majority of our councils and occupy the Treasury.

An LGA devolution paper, to be launched at the Bournemouth conference, is an attempt to unblock some of those frustrations, debate some of those concerns and make it more inclusive. Devolution should not be something that is done to communities, but with them.

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

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Leading on commercialism Katherine Fairclough is Deputy Chief Executive of Warrington Borough Council

In May this year, Warrington Borough Council was awarded an ‘Aa2’ credit rating for the second year running. This is the second-highest possible rating and gives the council a better position than all but 16 countries.

A report, produced by international credit rating agency Moody’s, praised our budget management – with £76.8 million saved over the past five years – and also our proactive economic development strategy.

Our rating serves as another important building block to creating a sustainable financial future for the council. Alongside a range of innovative capital investment, which includes loaning money to registered social landlords and investment in green energy, Warrington has moved to a more commercial

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“We got ahead of the curve by investing heavily in skills development for our workforce” approach across the board. While many councils are only now switching onto the ‘commercial’ agenda, we got ahead of the curve three years ago by investing heavily in skills development for our workforce to ensure we have the capability to meet our aspirations.

One hundred of our staff have been through an internally developed commercial skills programme, covering topics such as financial strategies, understanding your market and ensuring effective operational delivery.

Revenue from our traded services remains strong despite increased competition, and we remain a provider of choice for back-office services for both schools and third sector

companies throughout the borough. We are also putting all our services through a consistent value for money review process, which is bringing up some surprising results, and ensuring that everything we do is making a contribution to our corporate objectives.

There is still plenty to do. Innovation is rife at Warrington but we do need to make sure we are putting our efforts in the places that will bring most reward. This summer we are producing our first commercial strategy, which will ensure that all activity is aligned and prioritised.

We know we can’t stand still, but we feel we’ve made some huge strides towards ensuring that Warrington is at the forefront of commercialism in local government.

Katherine Fairclough will be speaking with colleagues from Wirral and Brent at a workshop session on commercialisation at the LGA’s annual conference in Bournemouth on 5 July, see www.local.gov.uk/conference

www.local.gov.uk

24/06/2016 14:33

Is a combined authority right for you?

Cllr Sean Anstee (Con) is Leader of Trafford Council

Put simply, at the heart of a combined authority is the collective desire of those involved to cooperate on the issues that transcend political and administrative boundaries to increase the prosperity and wellbeing of a defined geographic area.

In Greater Manchester, a pioneer of the concept when our own arrangements were established in 2011, the combined authority was a locally developed solution that built on foundations that had been the hallmark of close partnership working for almost 40 years and since the creation of the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities.

For us, it was a natural evolutionary step to take that formalised our governance structures and was the forerunner to enabling our devolution journey to commence with earnest.

“A country where every combined authority is the same is not one that sits comfortably with a ‘devolution revolution’” In many respects we were able to take advantage of the favourable conditions that exist in Greater Manchester: unitary governance; co-terminus boundaries with other public services; a cross-party collaborative environment; a clear strategy; and a view that this innovation was a means to an end, not the end itself.

The functional economic area for the conurbation broadly worked within this new construct as well. In other words, this locally devised solution was right for us.

The concept of a combined authority has quickly become a preferred byword for devolution discussions elsewhere. Yet it could be said that while the principle is replicable, it isn’t repeatable. This is important when considering what the future may hold for

District clusters key to public sector reform Coverage of the development of devolution deals and discussions about the creation of unitary councils are now a daily occurrence in the local government press.

Too often, however, these two separate processes are confused.

It is timely to remind ourselves of what Communities Secretary Greg Clark said last year about the district role in devolution.

He told the District Councils’ Network’s (DCN) assembly in Harrogate that he wanted individual authorities to consider what powers could make a real difference to their districts.

“Every individual authority has the right and the ability to request from me and my colleagues the repatriation of powers that

you might find useful for you,” Mr Clark said.

“Is there a place for districts in this? You bet there is.”

He said the entrepreneurialism displayed by district councils gave him the personal confidence that we can initiate reform among ourselves in wider geographical areas.

From a DCN viewpoint, we agree. The structure and governance of local government should be determined by what works best for local areas.

District councils have a positive role to play in unlocking complexity, reducing need, driving growth and delivering scalable, local solutions.

We are flexible and adaptable. We can move and change at speed. We are the

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combined authorities because just because it is right for us, it may not be for you. So while it may seem that a combined authority is the only game in town, on what basis do we allow that to continue?

A blueprint has been developed that makes sense on so many levels, but a country where every combined authority is the same is not one that sits comfortably with a ‘devolution revolution’.

Cllr Anstee will be speaking at a workshop on ‘What next for combined authorities?’ at the LGA’s annual conference on 5 July, see www.local.gov.uk/conference

Cllr Neil Clarke MBE is Chairman of the District Councils’ Network

strand of local government that is closest to its communities. We also have the scale, leadership and influence to make a real difference where it counts.

The redesign of public services is best determined by local areas themselves; one size does not fit all. Districts provide the essential building blocks for place-based approaches for public sector reform.

Clusters of districts are more aligned to the physical geography, functional economic areas, and community assets required for place-based approaches. They are coming together to deliver more efficient and effective public services while maintaining local governance and accountability structures, and closeness to the community.

Over the coming months and years, district councils are committed to playing an active part in supporting the transformation of local government.

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Resettling London’s homeless Cllr Hazel Simmons (Lab) is Leader of Luton Borough Council

Luton has received a significant number of homeless households from London over the past few years, putting additional pressure on an already challenged market and financially stretched services.

This issue affects many authorities that neighbour London and offer significantly lower rental prices than can be found in the capital. More challenging still, these receiving councils are often unaware of the true number of households being placed in their areas, or what their needs are.

In the East, we have come together, with the support of the East of England LGA, to open up a dialogue with our neighbouring London boroughs on how greater cooperation

“The key challenge is the lack of information sharing between placing and receiving authorities” could help mitigate the impact.

Our first step has been to separate what is actually happening on the ground from the myths, in what is a highly politicised area. This has involved frank discussions about the impact on local markets, safeguarding challenges and notification procedures.

The key challenge has been around the lack of information sharing between placing and receiving authorities. This has often been due to a breakdown in the notification system, but is more importantly about a wider communication deficit between authorities.

Not only is it essential that housing receives adequate information but that social care and other local agencies are also included.

We need much greater coordination on where families are placed, so that they have access

to school places and safeguarding issues are considered to ensure that vulnerable households are not put at risk.

Those moved will be unfamiliar with their new environment and will need support to access appropriate information and advice to integrate with the local community.

We also want to examine the relationships with private landlords. More discussion is needed not only to prevent market inflation but also to ensure that landlords are aware of their responsibilities and that appropriate, safe housing is being used.

This is a complex issue – and will no doubt involve lots of debate – but here in the East we believe that working together with the London boroughs is key.

Welsh lessons on homelessness Jon Sparkes is Chief Executive of Crisis

When Ken Loach’s landmark film, Cathy Come Home, first aired 50 years ago, it triggered a wave of public outrage and a chain of events that transformed how we tackle homelessness.

In 1977 this culminated in a new law requiring councils to find housing for homeless families and those classified as ‘priority need’.

Unfortunately, while it provided help for families, the law created a two-tier system that means people not classified as ‘priority need’ – usually single homeless people – often struggle to get the help they need. It’s a system that persists in England to this day.

Yet this doesn’t need to be the case.

Indeed, many English councils have been looking with interest at how homelessness is now being tackled in Wales, where recent reforms have introduced duties to prevent and relieve homelessness regardless of whether a household is in priority need.

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It’s still early days, but all the signs are encouraging. According to the latest figures for Wales, when councils intervened to prevent people from becoming homeless in the first place, they were successful in two-thirds of cases.

Alongside that, we’ve seen a drop of two-thirds in the number of people owed a full homelessness duty. This is clear progress, particularly when compared with England.

Such a shift inevitably involves upfront costs, but on top of being the right thing to do, it is also more cost effective. Leading academics commissioned by Crisis have

estimated that such a law in England is likely to require an additional £44 million for preventing and tackling homelessness early, yet crucially, this would be offset by a £47 million reduction in spending on people who are already homeless.

There are English councils that already do well at homelessness prevention, but others will need to change the way they tackle it, and we’re keen to work with council leaders directly to help. A change in the law isn’t a panacea, but it will put England on a much better track than the one it’s on now.

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parliament

Children and Social Work Bill •

The Queen’s Speech

•

Making decisions at a more local level will bring about huge economic and social benefits – so it is positive that this is reflected in some of the bills outlined in the recent Queen’s Speech.

The State Opening of Parliament marks the formal start of the parliamentary year with the Queen setting out the government’s agenda for the coming session. This year’s speech unveiled 21 government bills, and included important announcements on bus services, business rates, education, social work, planning and the digital economy.

As ever, we will be working with MPs and Peers, including our LGA president and vice-presidents, to influence the key bills that will affect local government. Work has already begun as the Bus Services Bill and Children and Social Work Bill have both been published and are now being debated.

As first was going to press, the Bus Services Bill had completed its Second Reading and was due to go into Committee Stage in the Lords, with the LGA briefing in favour of all areas being given automatic rights to bus franchising powers – not just mayoral combined authorities.

Another important bill is the Children and Social Work Bill, also due in Committee in the Lords. The LGA supports the Bill’s strong focus on support for children in care, including a clear

•

local offer for care leavers and extended personal adviser support for all care leavers up until the age of 25. However, we are calling for new burdens to be fully funded, to ensure resources are not diverted from other services for vulnerable children, which are already considerably over-stretched.

The framework for full devolution of business rates to English local government – something councils have long called for – is set out in the Local Growth and Jobs Bill.

And a guarantee to residents and businesses of a minimum broadband speed is contained in the Digital Economy Bill.

The Government has dropped its plans for forced academisation of all schools. But the Education for All Bill would allow it to convert all schools in areas where the local authority is deemed to be ‘underperforming’ or ‘unviable’ – circumstances which require greater clarity, according to the LGA. Meanwhile, the Neighbourhood and Planning Bill includes welcome improvements to compulsory purchase powers which should help with acquiring more land for new housing.

You can get a taste of the key bills affecting local government below. But for a detailed briefing on the Queen’s Speech and the latest updates on the progress of individual bills, visit www.local.gov.uk/briefings-and-responses

• •

Cllr Roy Perry, Chairman of the LGA’s Children and Young People Board, said: “Proposals to provide clear, consistent support to young people leaving care until the age of 25 are supported by councils, but this must be fully funded.”

Counter-Extremism and Safeguarding Bill • •

Bus Services Bill • • • •

gives elected mayors and local transport authorities the power to improve bus services gives London-style bus franchising powers to mayoral combined authorities makes data about routes, fares and times available to app developers to give passengers better information about local bus services.

Cllr Peter Box, the LGA’s Transport Spokesman, said: “Franchising should be available to all local authorities who wish to improve bus services in towns, villages and rural areas that are poorly served at present. It should not depend on having a directly-elected mayor.”

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seeks to boost adoption rates by requiring courts and social workers to take account of a child’s need for stability up to the age of 18 extends personal adviser support for care leavers to age 25 requires councils to consult on and publish a local offer for care leavers establishes a new specialist regulator for social work allows local authorities to pilot new, innovative approaches to children’s social care.

establishes a new civil order regime to restrict extremist activity introduces powers to intervene in unregulated education settings which teach hate government to consult on powers to intervene where councils fail to tackle extremism.

Cllr Simon Blackburn, Chair of the LGA’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board, said: “Further legal powers will help to tackle some extremist individuals and organisations and with protecting communities from them. However, on their own they aren’t the solution and more resources and better guidance is also needed.”

www.local.gov.uk

24/06/2016 14:37

Digital Economy Bill

Finance Bill 2017

•

•

•

•

•

gives every household and business a legal right to a fast broadband connection makes it easier for providers of telecommunications to build the infrastructure needed for faster broadband and better mobile networks allows consumers to be compensated when things go wrong with their broadband service reforms the way government uses data to deliver public services.

Cllr Mark Hawthorne, Chairman of the LGA’s People and Places Board, said: “Mobile network operators should not be able to build huge masts in places without local residents and councils having their say.”

will include a new soft drinks levy targeted at producers and importers of soft drinks that contain added sugar.

Cllr Izzi Seccombe, the LGA’s Community and Wellbeing Portfolio Holder, said: “It’s time for the soft drinks industry to step up and take its share of responsibility for the child obesity crisis we face.”

Investigatory Powers Bill

National Citizen Service Bill

•

•

increases oversight of access to, and use of, communications data by councils.

Bill

The LGA said: “Local authorities have an important role in protecting consumers and businesses from fraud and similar types of criminal activity.”

Local Growth and Jobs Bill •

Education for All Bill •

•

•

ends council’s statutory role in school improvement by removing their duty to promote high educational standards in local schools gives secretary of state powers to force all schools in underperforming council areas to become academies implements manifesto commitment to make school funding fairer.

Cllr Roy Perry, Chairman of the LGA’s Children and Young People Board, said: “The LGA strongly believes that all schools should have the choice to stay with their council or convert to academy status, and remains opposed to any forced academisation. Hundreds of schools, often in disadvantaged areas, are being turned around thanks to the intervention of local councils.”

•

provides framework for the move to full retention of business rates

by English local government allows combined authority mayors, with business support, to levy a supplement on business rates to fund new infrastructure.

•

Cllr Roy Perry, Chairman of the LGA’s Children and Young People Board, said: “It is vital that money to run the NCS should not be at the expense of restoring and supporting local services for young people. Councils must be able to provide services tailored to local needs.”

Policing and Crime Bill • •

Cllr Claire Kober, the LGA’s Resources Portfolio Holder, said: “The move towards local government as a whole keeping 100 per cent of its business rates income by 2020 is something we have been campaigning to achieve for the last decade.”

expands the National Citizen Service (NCS) places a duty on secondary schools and local authorities to promote the NCS to young people and their parents.

• •

requires emergency services to collaborate makes provision for police and crime commissioners (PCCs) to take responsibility for their local fire and rescue service enables a PCC to be represented on a fire and rescue authority extends the powers of councils to suspend or revoke personal licences.

Cllr Jeremy Hilton, Chair of the LGA’s Fire Services Management Committee, said: “PCCs should only run fire and rescue services where there is a robust business case setting out the advantages of doing so, which is supported by all sides and has the support of local communities.”

Neighbourhood Planning and Infrastructure Bill • • • •

establishes the independent National Infrastructure Commission on a statutory basis strengthens neighbourhood planning makes the compulsory purchase order process clearer takes the Land Registry out of public ownership.

Cllr Peter Box, the LGA’s Planning Spokesman, said: “Reforms to compulsory purchase orders could pave the way for councils to capture the value from increased land prices to invest in the vital infrastructure that boosts housebuilding.”

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councillor Ed Cox is Director of Local Accountability at the Centre for Public Scrutiny (CfPS)

The problem with local democracy is that often it isn’t.

It’s often not local in nature – so much of what local government can and can’t do is prescribed by central government, despite the progress of devolution deals.

And lots of it doesn’t feel especially democratic either. Most people’s interaction with local government is limited to voting (and, in fact, a majority don’t even do that) or transactional issues – such as booking a bulky waste collection or organising

their child’s admission to school.

The democratic elements of local democracy are increasingly hidden from view. Decisions are made on local people’s behalf in forums which are ostensibly public, but how many residents are really aware of this? When was the last time you had significant public attendance at a council meeting – except for an issue which affected people individually, such as a planning decision or a change to a valued service?

Public trust in local authorities may be higher than in most other parts of the public sector, but their level of engagement and interest is low.

Recently, local government professionals and activists have been coming together to try to better understand these issues, and – importantly – to come up with some practical solutions of use to elected

Help for scrutineers

T

he Centre for Public Scrutiny (CfPS) supports organisations and places to create the right culture, systems and processes to make governance and scrutiny work hard to improve outcomes. On behalf of the LGA we provide targeted support to local councils and a national helpline for advice on scrutiny issues.

In the current financial climate we also work with a lot of councils and organisations to help them do more with reduced resources and help scrutiny functions to better demonstrate their value.

Our expertise includes: devolution, health and social care, transformation, school accountability, safeguarding and financial scrutiny.

The support we offer to local authorities includes: • consultancy – helping councils to overcome their individual scrutiny and governance challenges • training – supporting officers and members to develop skills and knowledge • research – including policy and practice guides for local scrutiny • events and conferences • practical support – through our national helpline and advice service.

For more information please visit: www.cfps.org.uk

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Copyright Duncan Nicol Robertson

Making democracy work locally representatives and the officers who support them. The discussions have led to the identification of some key ‘local democracy design challenges’, which are being used to focus effort on identifying solutions.

The Centre for Public Scrutiny (see box) has been getting increasingly interested in this agenda. After all, we think that, along with accountability and transparency, involvement is a key element in good governance, and must be absolutely central to local democracy.

We’re therefore very pleased that the LGA has agreed to fund us to look into this issue further, and work with councils, councillors and activists to support the development of solutions to some of these challenges.

We are especially interested in exploring the following three areas: social decisionmaking; making it easier to access, share and use data about local democracy (agendas, minutes, reports and so on); and what has been called ‘digestible democracy’ – making the process and systems involved in local democracy easier to understand.

We’re keen to get some input from anyone who’s interested in these issues, but particularly from those working in councils who might want to use our support to try some different approaches to things like how reports are written, how council meetings are organised and run, and how public meetings and consultations are organised.

If you think your council might be interested in participating in this project, do please get in touch by emailing ed.hammond@cfps.org.uk or phoning 020 3866 5100

www.local.gov.uk

24/06/2016 14:37

elections Greens make gains Traditional party politics has been on hold since the local elections in May. Those contests themselves did little to stir the pot with a record low number of councils and council seats changing hands.

In the last six weeks there have been a dozen or so by-elections, but they have largely been overshadowed by the at times bitter (and often intra-party) EU referendum campaign.

Nonetheless, no fewer than five parties have gained seats since May, though that was counterbalanced by losses too for the Conservatives, Labour and UKIP. The Greens, who have been rather off the radar recently, posted two excellent results. The Barking and Somersham ward in Mid Suffolk had never been held by the Conservatives until General Election day 2015, and their tenure proved short-lived as the Greens went from a standing start to take the seat by just two votes after a recount.

The party was on the other side of a close result in Gipsy Hill, Lambeth, however. They had come a rather distant second to Labour in the ward at the London Assembly elections in May; a month later they garnered twice as many votes and were just pipped at the post.

There were also mixed fortunes for UKIP.

Professors Colin Rallings (right) and Michael Thrasher are Directors of Plymouth University’s Elections Centre

On the one hand, they lost their single seat on East Staffordshire council where they had slipped in between the Labour slate in the three-member Stapenhill ward in 2015.

On the other, the party gained a seat from Labour in the two-member Essex county division of Basildon Laindon Park and Fryerns.

Basildon district was a relative success for UKIP amid a generally lacklustre performance in May. This result gives them both county councillors in the division and takes their tally on the council back to six after a loss in the Braintree district back in March.

Now that the referendum is out of the way, we may expect July’s contests to begin to paint a picture of how the electorate has reacted to the result. Will the Conservatives suffer from perceptions of division? Will Labour begin to rebuild its local government base more convincingly than it did in May? What are the prospects for UKIP, having achieved the very referendum that many of its activists saw as its sole raison d’etre?

local by-elections Denbighshire, Denbigh Lower IND HELD 6.9% over PC Turnout 29.9% Denbighshire, Dyserth IND GAIN FROM CON 2.6% over Ind Turnout 36.6% Dorset, Sherborne Rural LIB DEM GAIN FROM CON 2.9% over Con Turnout 33.4% East Staffordshire, Stapenhill LAB GAIN FROM UKIP 15.6% over UKIP Turnout 20.5% Essex, Basildon Laindon Park & Fryerns UKIP GAIN FROM LAB 9.1% over Lab Turnout 17.2% Hambleton, Northallerton South CON HELD 27.4% over Lab Turnout 21.6% Kings Lynn & W Norfolk, Valley Hill CON GAIN FROM IND 16.8% over Lab Turnout 33.8% Lambeth, Gipsy Hill LAB HELD 1.3% over Green

Turnout 27.8

Lewes, Lewes Bridge LIB DEM HELD 16.3% over Green Turnout 33.2% Merton, St. Helier LAB HELD 57.6% over Con

Turnout 26%

Mid Suffolk, Barking & Somersham GREEN GAIN FROM CON 0.3% over Con Turnout 33.9%

Copyright Duncan Nicol Robertson

North East Lincolnshire, South LAB HELD 18.5% over UKIP Turnout 20.3% North Yorkshire, Northallerton CON HELD 27.8% over UKIP Turnout 22.2% Please visit www.local.gov.uk/first for all recent by-election results and additional data

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Southwark, Surrey Docks LIB DEM HELD 30.4% over Lab Turnout 31.4%

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