Leicestershire & Rutland Association of Local Councils LCC Local Councils Conference Leicestershire Councils & LRALC Jake Atkinson LRALC Chief Officer

Leicestershire & Rutland Association of Local Councils was a challenging period of change and uncertainty for local councils. New rules, powers, and changes to long standing processes. Continuing reductions in funding from Govt to principal authorities. Increasing range and number of demands on local councils from parishioners, principal authorities, and other public bodies

Leicestershire & Rutland Association of Local Councils Local councils remain “uncapped” and able to precept according to need. LRALC’s activity and sphere of influence in support of its membership is greater than ever. Increasing recognition of the valuable role local councils play from strategic bodies (e.g. Leicestershire Together). A number of concessions and agreements secured from key organisations and bodies in support of local councils.

Leicestershire & Rutland Association of Local Councils Membership of LRALC

Leicestershire & Rutland Association of Local Councils LRALC 2013 & beyond – Strategic Plan CALCs increasingly important - growth of localism, devolution of services, new powers, other changes, etc. Govt has made number of major changes to systems that impact on PCs (e.g. planning); further changes in relation to audit, transparency requirements, pensions. LRALC main role supporting/training PCs in being compliant with requirements, and delivery of national, county, and local objectives of importance to PCs. Strat Plan has priority “themes” around Funding, Staff, Services, Leadership, Partnerships; will provide direction and focus for Executive Committee decision making, and a framework for development

Leicestershire & Rutland Association of Local Councils Leicestershire CC & LRALC Some shared priorities: Training of clerks and councillors. Quality Council Scheme (under review) Communication between LCC and local councils (both ways). Resolution of contact issues between local councils and LCC. Representation of local council views at a strategic level. Liaison between local councils and Districts/Boroughs.

Leicestershire & Rutland Association of Local Councils On the horizon Further large scale reductions in funding to principal authorities; services WILL go (at least till 2015). Possibility of capping (December 2013). Further changes to precept calculation/grant funding (December 2013)? Elections (2015) Open Public Services White Paper & the Sustainable Communities Act

Leicestershire & Rutland Association of Local Councils What will you do? As the Government itself says, local councils… “have a close understanding of what their communities want and can tailor a wide range of local services including grants to local organisations and financing projects such as new community buildings and facilities” Local councils can play a significant role in the Govts agenda for promoting localism and open public services if they choose to.