Blog: 9th February 2024 - Rachel McKoy, LLG President

Is it just me or did January happen…? The pace of each week is scary! I hope this blog finds you well and in fine fettle regardless.

There has been a fair bit of activity in recent weeks with the preparation for budget setting and elections. I am sure you are all suitably exhausted by it but still delivering 110% as always.

Last week Tuesday, I attended the Localism and Grant Thornton Fellows dinner in Westminster to debate “Golden triangle: has local government learned all the lessons around the linkages between financial sustainability, strong corporate governance and effective scrutiny?” A very interesting discussion took place regarding various elements such as the strengthening of the audit and scrutiny function in this space and the importance of having the right skills sets, in the right places, at the right time.

However, the resounding consensus in the room centred upon the importance of good culture and relationships in setting the compass of an organisation.  This was a point I made clearly, and a theme that our Minister for Local Government , CEO and Chair of OFLOG all endorsed. It was powerful to hear a multitude of voices in the room in communion on this point, whilst acknowledging the complexity of local government presently, and crucial contribution we (lawyers) make in supporting communities.

Excellent points were also made by Cllr Sam Chapman-Allen, Chairman of the DCN and Cllr Darren Rodwell, Chair of the Local Infrastructure and Net Zero (LGA) regarding the lack of sanctions for poor member behaviour, the impact this is having upon good governance, and the threat to the erosion of democracy.  It was refreshing to hear the member perspective upon this matter, being so strongly expressed. This is an issue LLG continue to lobby Government upon as it is not going away.

These comments were timely as fed directly into the issues raised in the Q&A session of the Law, Lawyers, and Local Government presentation I delivered to the Society for Local Council Clerks Practitioners Conference 2024 in Warwick on the Thursday. It really was a spirited exchange, reflecting the frustration and strength of feeling of parish clerks on the ground. This is an area LLG will be focusing some attention upon as part of the forthcoming Spring Conference in Leeds as an important issue attracting widespread public interest presently – so we will keep our foot on the gas!

Finally, the week was topped off with the City of London Solicitors Banquet at Mansion House – it was a privilege to represent LLG and share our work with a varied range of guests. Listening to the keynote speech by Kristina Murrin CBE, CEO of the Kings Foundation, about their projects that harness innovation and nature, was fantastic – check them out.

https://www.kings-foundation.org/

Wishing you all a restful weekend and positive week ahead.