SOLACE has told Local Government Secretary of State, Hazel Blears, that chief executives can meet her ‘once in a generation’ challenge.
The Secretary of State, speaking to the SOLACE conference in Cardiff, delivered a direct challenge to local government saying they must use this opportunity to deliver better services and make a positive difference in their local community.
Barry Quirk, SOLACE Chairman, who held informal talks with Hazel Blears at the conference exhibition (see attached photo) said local government’s credibility with the public relies on the democratic legitimacy of its political leadership and the effectiveness of its professional management. to seize this once in a generation opportunity – given the tight financial settlement in last week’s Comprehensive Spending Review and Pre-Budget Report - local government, he said, needs chief executives and senior managers who are able to create the most public value from the resources available.
Barry Quirk, SOLACE Chairman, said, “We face a steep challenge to deliver better public services in this very tight three-year financial settlement. But we are up to that challenge. Across the country, SOLACE members have bags of practical experience in executing vital changes in both the design and delivery of services. Changes that reduce costs while raising effectiveness. In Solace we shall ensure that local government’s corporate managers focus on delivering better value for the public through better management practices and smarter service outcomes.”
“I welcome the Secretary of State’s assurance that she will be working to ensure other government departments operate within the new relationship between central government and local councils; giving local authorities the space they need to thrive. The argument about localism has been won – we now need to make it work. It is essential that SOLACE members across the country, seize this opportunity to improve the lives of people and places.”
Notes to editors
1. Hazel Blears speech to the SOLACE Annual Conference in Cardiff on 11 October can be watched here
