Local Government

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Provided by Bevan Brittan LLP

Local government continues to face unprecedented challenges, in uncertain times:

• Austerity cuts are taking their toll and with future funding formula unknown, hard political choices are being made about whether to cease or reduce the provision of services, introduce charges where appropriate, how to raise revenue and/or transform what is on offer.​
• Many councils are now reduced to the core, with the focus largely on transformation, taking advantage of technological developments and different ways of providing services, in order to reduce cost and still meet statutory duties.
• As councils are shrinking, many roles at a senior management level have been stripped out, reducing corporate memory, skills and experience available to face the challenges and innovation required for the future.
  
  

Our experience is that in this environment councils are seeking to redefine their roles; focus on a growth and prosperity agenda with a stronger sense of place; at the same time seeking to manage demand for services resulting in different delivery models. 

An emphasis on thorough legal, financial and technical input into decision making and procedural compliance will be critical in all these aspects.