Event

A sustainable future for local government in Wales

This event hosted by UK think tank the Institute of Welsh Affairs discusses a sustainable future for local government in Wales.

How can the next Welsh Government support a sustainable future for Welsh local government?

We all depend on local government to deliver vital services and support the places we live, play and work in, but the current model of local government in Wales is unsustainable. In a context of constrained budgets and rising demand for statutory, but non-universal services, maintaining the current model could see councils fail, weakening trust, participation and democratic legitimacy in the process.

Building on the work of the WLGA and WCPP-convened Independent working group on sustainable local government for the future, this webinar will explore how the next Welsh Government can work with local government to support a shift towards a more sustainable model in Wales.

The expert panel will explore key areas such as finance reform, transformation, workforce culture; and the growing importance of place, prevention and collaboration in service provision.

Speakers

Max Caller – local government consultant

Professor Steve Martin – Chair of the Independent Working Group on Sustainable Local Government for the Future

Anna Randle – Interim CEO, New Local

Dr Jack Price – WCPP Research Associate

The discussion will be followed by a live Q&A with the audience.

This webinar is part of Ways forward: Insights and evidence for the next Welsh Government a WCPP webinar series hosted by the Institute of Welsh Affairs, aimed at anyone with an interest in how the Welsh policy landscape will evolve after the forthcoming Senedd election. Each webinar focuses on a specific policy challenge within one of WCPP’s current priority areas (Tackling Inequalities, Environment and Net Zero, Community Wellbeing), along with the future of local government; each with input from expert guest speakers and opportunities for audience engagement.

• Building prosperous local economies through a just transition | Tuesday 3rd February – now available to watch back
• Turning the tide on child poverty | Thursday 26th February at 11am – 12.15
• A sustainable future for local government in Wales | Wednesday 11th March 11am – 12.15
• Strengthening community cohesion | Wednesday 25th March [11am tbc]