Half way through January and the spectre of broken new year resolutions is looming large. Of the many new year rituals, two seem particularly relevant to the local government family in 2011.
First, there is the tradition of looking backwards and even celebrating the past. Despite what appears to be a doctrinaire approach of the coalition to blame all current problems on the previous administration, there has been much valuable learning over the past decade which provides a firm foundation for future local government practice – particularly in the crucial area of promoting economic growth and development.
For instance, regional development agencies (RDA) have built up experience, expertise and valuable capacity in how to stimulate local economies. If we are to deliver growth and regeneration over 2011, local government needs to retain and develop the strengths of RDA policies and intervention strategies. Similarly, Local Area Agreements have been abolished, and Total Place rebranded and focused on specific thematic areas (e.g. 'families with complex needs'). However, achieving genuine 'localism' requires specific empowering agreements shaped by local priorities.
A second New Year tradition is looking forward and making resolutions to better oneself over the coming year. The betterment of local economies requires local authorities crossing boundaries in new and more profound ways than ever before. To progress new development arrangements (like Local Enterprise Partnerships) local authorities will have to work on the basis of real local economic geographies rather than artificial administrative boundaries. They will need to collaborate with business and communities in supportive and enabling roles rather than creating partnership talking shops which have the feel of a token effort. Most importantly, they will have to innovate with radical service delivery and investment programmes rather than managing expenditure reductions through traditional business-as-usual downsizing.
For the local government, the lesson is to sustain both the learning from the past and the resolutions for the future, throughout 2011. Too many resolutions made on 1 January are broken by the end of the month. Of course, one should never take simplistic analogies about the new year too far – I understand there is an Italian tradition that wearing new red underwear whilst eating lentil and sausage soup will bring 'good fortune' for the coming year. The thought of Eric Pickles engaging in this might not provide the most positive start to 2011 for our sector.
David Marlow is the former chief executive at Doncaster metropolitan borough council and director of Third Life Economics
This content is brought to you by Guardian Professional. Join the local government network to receive more like this direct to your inbox.
