Conservatives
Local revenue raising through business rates and council tax would continue to be phased in, despite councils in more deprived areas set to lose out. The new mayor-led combined authorities would be responsible for coordinating their own industrial strategies. A “cultural development fund” would be introduced to “turn around” communities. New government buildings would have to make “a positive contribution” to a local area. More funding for “comprehensive” rubbish collection and recycling is promised, along with pledges to fill potholes, bring “sustainable growth” to rural areas and “safeguard” the post office network, though how is not made clear. A review is promised of how children in need are best supported.
Labour
Promises of more money, more properly resourced devolution and greater protection for core services will offer cheer to council staff. Extra funding next year and an end to austerity cuts would lead to renewed provision of libraries, museums, galleries and youth services. Proposals to improve children’s services include prohibiting the private sector from running child protection services, creating a national fostering service and more early prevention. To stimulate regeneration and “unlock” planning, compulsory purchase orders would be “updated” and planning authorities “properly” resourced and bolstered. A review of reforming council tax and business rates is also promised.
Liberal Democrats
All councils would gain powers over transport, housing and skills, with more revenue-raising powers. They would also be handed the power to run, commission and regulate local bus networks in a bid to “halt the decline in bus services”. The requirement to hold local referenda for council tax changes would be removed, the number of neighbourhood, community and parish councils would increase, and the Social Value Act would be strengthened to boost the number of charities and social enterprises delivering public services. A new £2bn rural services fund would help co-locate council offices, post offices, children’s centres, libraries and visiting healthcare professionals.
Greens
By increasing funding for local authorities “so they can provide good quality public services, and invest in communities”, the party also aims to create thousands of jobs. The extra funding is planned alongside a “review of the effectiveness of how public services are structured”. Communities would be given new powers allowing for 40% of the local electorate to secure a referendum on local government decisions or to recall their MP.
