The Local Government Association election of officers is about to take place. The LGA was set up under the Labour government almost as an extension of central government into local government.

I sense the wind of change blowing. With our Conservative government pressing for localism the LGA needs to refocus and streamline.

As an active lobbying organisation on behalf of local government to central government I can see it’s value. Of course all authorities carry this out individually but the collective voice of all authorities must be a louder voice. It must be saying the right things and in the right way. I am not convinced the added services add much to this.

I expect to play an active part in the LGA in the future.