Economy

The LGA is continuing to press the government to deliver real devolution of economic powers and funding to councils.

Our policy is set out in the LGA’s ground-breaking prosperous communities II: vive la devolution! It described a new role for councils in economic decision-making at the local level; showed that markets for housing, employment and goods and services work at a sub-regional level and argued that decisions about and funding for housing and planning, transport, welfare and skills and economic development should be devolved to groups of councils working together. The government responded by proposing a new economic role for councils and sub regional partnerships in the sub national review of economic development and regeneration and the subsequent Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act.

The key role of councils in supporting local people and businesses out of the recession and helping economic recovery is one of the LGA Group’s overarching priorities. The reports prepared during the recession can be found in our recession archive.

A key priority is dealing with the effects of rising unemployment on young people. For more information on this, visit the Re-engaging Young People project.

Content marked with a red 'M' is only available to you if you are from a Local Government Association member council and have registered on the website. You will also be able to use your username and password on other Local Government Group websites. 

Latest news and analysis

• From recession to recovery:the importance of personal finances

  The case studies collected here demonstrate how councils that have invested in services that help residents access the financial services they need have had a hugely positive impact on peoples’ economic and emotional wellbeing.

  Added on: 2 July 2010
  

• Building Learning Communities

  Building Learning Communities is a joint project between the LGA, the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council and National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE)

  Added on: 9 February 2010
  

• Working Tax Credit Toolkit

  A small number of local authorities have worked with HM Revenue and Customs to develop promotional materials to promote the take-up of working tax credit to their employees. The materials are available here to be downloaded.

  Added on: 26 January 2010
  

• Local councils: supporting a sustainable local post office network

  The LGA has worked closely with the Post Office to identify the role that councils can play in supporting their local post office network. The case studies in this publication have been selected to illustrate a range of services and approaches that have been used by local authorities across the country.

  Added on: 18 January 2010
  

• Sustainable communities act - Submitted proposals

  The LGA has received around 300 proposals from local authorities. A spreadsheet provides a list of those authorities which submitted proposals and a very brief summary - more detailed information on each of the proposals can be found on the theme pages.

  Added on: 30 October 2009