Council leaders and chief executives have agreed a new vision for the future of local government in Wales, setting out how councils can work differently to deliver even better outcomes for communities.
Starting from the widely accepted conclusion that local government is currently unsustainable due to rising costs, budgetary constraints, and increasing demand for statutory services, the independent working group on sustainable local government for the future has published its final report, in which it articulates a vision for Welsh councils of the future to be “collaborative, preventive, outcome-focused, open to innovation, financially empowered and digitally enabled” in order to thrive. Councils would build on their role as essential service providers to become even stronger democratic leaders of place, bringing communities and public services together around shared priorities.
The independent working group on sustainable local government for the future was convened by the Wales Centre for Public Policy (WCPP) in collaboration with the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA). The group brought together council leaders, chief executives and local government experts to develop practical solutions for the future of the sector.
The report, Local government fit for the future sets out a sustainable operating model to help councils respond to growing demand, financial and workforce pressures, new technology and increasingly complex challenges.
It calls for closer collaboration across public services, a stronger focus on prevention and outcomes, and a greater voice for residents in the decisions that affect them. It also encourages councils to rethink how services are delivered and to develop new cultures and ways of working.
The report says these changes will need to be supported by reforms to local government funding, performance and accountability arrangements. It also calls for a shift in how councils work with the Welsh Government, residents, one another and the wider public sector.
The vision would enable councils to develop and test approaches suited to their communities, supported by the Welsh Government and other partners.
Councillor Mary Ann Brocklesby, WLGA spokesperson for Health and Social Care said:
“This vision asks us to think beyond individual services and focus on what people actually want for their communities: healthier lives, good opportunities and places where everyone can thrive. Achieving that means involving residents in the choices that affect them and working much more closely across organisational boundaries.
“We know there is no single answer that will work everywhere. What matters is giving councils the freedom, capacity and long-term confidence to learn, adapt and build on what works locally. This report gives us a shared direction and an opportunity to shape the next chapter of Welsh local government together.
“Local government is ultimately about people, the places they live, the opportunities available to them and the support they can turn to when they need it.”
Professor Dan Bristow, Wales Centre for Public Policy Director, said:
“The Independent working group has enabled the local government sector to develop and agree a unified vision for its future and a clear pathway to realising that vision.
“However, achieving those aims and ensuring sustainability becomes a reality will require both structural reform and culture change. Sector-led change needs to be matched by Welsh Government leadership. Reforms to local government funding, performance, and accountability frameworks will be essential ingredients if this plan is to be successful.”
Rob Thomas, Vale of Glamorgan Council Chief Executive Officer and Chair of Solace Wales, the professional body representing local government chief executives in Wales said:
“No local authority chief executive in Wales is under any illusion that the way local government currently functions is sustainable. We also appreciate that there is no immediate solution to reducing demand on our services or drastically improving our financial situation.
"Against this backdrop, we need to work differently to help our communities to thrive and the work undertaken by this working group is a great example of a step in the right direction. What has been developed and articulated is a clear, strategic vision for a workable operating model that can put the sector on a firmer footing for the future.
“It will require a shift in emphasis and new ways of working on many levels, and we are very aware that the hard work starts here. But local government in Wales has an excellent track record of working differently and transforming the way in which services are delivered. We need more of this and we need to increasingly collaborate with each other, with residents, community partners and with the Welsh Government. We also need to continue to develop our own workforce and leadership qualities to ensure our approach is preventative and outcome-focussed. Above all we need to be ‘future-fit so we can best deliver for our communities.
“Local Government in Wales has shown remarkable resilience over the last decade and continues to deliver for all communities. It's vital we take this opportunity to ensure that the sector continues to be a force for good as we move forward to the next decade”.
