Councils must become 21st century ‘entrepreneurs’

A study published this morning by the Commission on the Future of Local Government says councils must take a more active role in stimulating jobs and growth in their local areas, while driving forward the construction of the new homes and facilities required for the modern era - such as next-generation broadband networks and small-scale green energy schemes.

The commission - led by Leeds City Council and including experts including the economist Will Hutton - also calls for the Government to finally solve what it terms the ‘English question’, highlighting the “democratic deficit” suffered by voters and local authorities in England compared with the devolved powers in Scotland and Wales.

It calls for the creation of a new English Office at Whitehall, complete with Secretary of State for England, to work alongside councils and drive growth and further devolution to the regions.

It comes as the Government puts the final touches to its much-vaunted ‘City Deal’ devolution packages that will see a host of new powers handed to councils within the Leeds and Sheffield City Regions.

Leeds City Council leader Keith Wakefield said this new devolution agenda, coupled with the background of savage cuts to funding that every council in the land is having to contend with, means a new approach is required to drive growth.

“We have got to ask how we can revive the civic entrepreneurs that built our great cities in the 19th century,” the Labour leader said. “They were shaped and directed by local government.

“Now we are getting devolution, it is time to start asking - how do we drive the economy? How do we drive jobs and housing? This is about getting back to that entrepreneurial spirit.”

Coun Wakefield said the role of local councils is becoming increasingly important with the demise of the regional development agencies earlier this year.

“It is local government that now has to rise to the challenge,” he said.

The commission envisages councils working much more closely with civic-minded businesses, charities and other third-parties to ensure towns and cities have the infrastructure they need to thrive in the 21st century.

“We are currently in the process of procuring superfast broadband for Leeds and Bradford,” said Leeds Council chief executive Tom Riordan.

“Or it can be about low carbon technologies such as anaerobic digestion - new plants to convert the food waste from our schools and homes into power.

“These are the 21st century utilities that we need.“