This report is the final output of the Independent working group on sustainable local government for the future, convened by WCPP and the WLGA.

Through its programme of work, the group has explored the purpose and functions of local government and some of the structural and cultural changes that would support the development of a more sustainable operating model for councils in Wales. In A firm foundation for change, the group proposed a package of reforms that would help create the conditions for this transition, focused on local government finance, governance, workforce and innovation capacity.

This report builds on this work by arguing that these foundational reforms must be underpinned by a shared vision for the future of local government that provides a clear direction of travel for the sector and coordinates efforts towards change.

The working group has set out a vision for Welsh councils of the future to be collaborative, preventative, outcome-focused, adaptive, financially empowered and digitally-enabled.

The report identifies three cultural shifts that are essential to realising this vision:  

• Changes in the relationship between councils and residents, where councils work with communities and individuals rather than simply acting for them.
• Changes in the way councils work with each other, public bodies and communities, moving from organisational silos to collaboration around shared outcomes.
• A shift in leadership by the local government sector, with more collective ownership of the transformation.  

Realising these cultural shifts will require a change to the operating environment for councils and the wider public sector in Wales. This includes changing the funding, performance and accountability frameworks that shape individual and organisational behaviours. The report calls on the Welsh Government, councils, and partners across the public sector to work together to align these changes to the vision.

This report, and the wider work of the group, have been endorsed by the WLGA’s Executive Board. Discussions are ongoing with the Welsh Government, the WLGA, and Solace about how the sector can take this work forward.

Rob Thomas, Chair of Solace Cymru - Wales said, "There is clear endorsement and support from Solace Cymru - Wales for the direction of travel set out in the report. We remain committed to a resilient and sustainable model for local government in Wales and would very much welcome continued dialogue, and importantly action by working with all relevant stakeholders including Welsh Government on this important issue."