LGIU Response: delayed Mayoral elections

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, Local Government Information Unit (LGIU), said:

“We welcome the government’s commitment to devolution and recognition of the role strategic authorities can play in local growth. But it is frustrating that alongside these important steps come such major changes  seemingly out of the blue with no preparation or consultation with those who will be directly impacted.

The government set out a clear and ambitious timetable for devolution that, until this week, they were insisting was still on track. Councils have moved mountains to meet every single deadline presented to them. Many will be wondering what has changed.

Across the country, so many colleagues in the sector have been working hard on devolution – including on preparation for mayoral elections – and it’s simply not fair to keep chopping and changing. It’s essential that the government now sets out a definitive timetable for devolution and local government reorganisation, including (crucially) final confirmation of whether county and district council elections will take place in DPP areas next May.

Today’s Ministerial Statement still includes too many phrases like “minded to” or “as soon as possible” – the government must set out a clear plan and stick to it. Councils and our communities deserve that.

And if Ministers want some inspiration on how hard work, collaboration and focus can help you meet challenging deadlines, they could do worse than look at how local government has responded to this agenda.”