New LGA Chief Executive vows to “crisscross the country”

LGA news release - 19 June 2006

A pledge to visit every region in England and Wales during the next six months was made today (Monday, 19 June) by Paul Coen on his first day as Chief Executive of the Local Government Association (LGA).

On a visit to Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, Mr Coen said he plans to crisscross the country to engage with member authorities and understand the issues they face.

"Local government has never been in better shape," he said. "But there is plenty more that we need to achieve. I want to hear from councillors and officers across the country about the fantastic work they are doing, day in and day out, to make sure that people receive top quality services and the places where they live and work flourish.

"I also want to find out better how the LGA and councils can work more closely together to continue upping our game, delivering ever more value for money and winning a deal on devolution for both ourselves and the people we represent."

During his visit to Barnsley, Mr Coen is meeting Councillor Stephen Houghton, Leader of the Council, members of his Cabinet, and Phil Coppard, Chief Executive, and his senior managers.

Mr Coppard said: "We welcome Paul's commitment fully to involve councils, which is demonstrated by his visit here on his first day in this key post. We have shown him the real change that effective councils can deliver for communities through partnership working, including flagship projects within the Remaking Barnsley programme."

Sandy Bruce-Lockhart, Chairman of the LGA, said: "Paul is starting his new job as he plans to go on; showing member authorities across the country that it is they who give the LGA its influential voice. Combining his fact finding missions with the visits made by Group Leaders and myself to every region in England and Wales, the LGA could not be in better shape to provide local government with strong, national leadership."