LGA demands role for local authorities

The LGA has written to the government calling for councils to be included on the new body being set up to deal with the impact of a recession.

The regional economic council, formed this month to deal with the effects of the economic downturn, includes regional ministers, representatives from regional development agencies, business and the trade unions, but so far no local government representatives.

Chairman of the LGA Cllr Margaret Eaton has written to chancellor Alistair Darling and business secretary Peter Mandelson (pictured) to seek reassurance that councils’ knowledge and expertise will be included, “as a matter of urgency”.

Cllr Eaton said: “At a time of economic downturn, localism becomes more, not less important. It is vital that we have local solutions to fit the specific problems that particular parts of the country are going to face.

”It’s good news that the government has recognised that different parts of the country will be affected in different ways by the looming economic downturn. However, it would be totally unacceptable for local councils’ experience and expertise to be overlooked in this way.”

The regional council will ensure issues of each region are heard by the Cobra-style national economic council.