LGA chief calls on government to "strip away excessive administrative burdens"

The Local Government Association has called on the Conservative/Liberal Democrat coalition government to strip away excessive administrative burdens from councils.

This would ensure that money for services goes direct to the local level where it is needed, the LGA argued.

Dame Margaret Eaton, chairman of the association, said: “We look forward to working with the new administration in the most challenging period for a generation. Local government is ready with the ideal to help the incoming government deal with the choppy financial waters ahead and deliver public sector reforms.

“In return, we ask for the freedom to lead the areas we serve so we can deliver ever more efficient and effective services for local people.”

Eaton said there was “a pressing need to strip away excessive administrative burdens”, adding that councils had long shown themselves to be the most efficient part of the public sector.

Too much money is tied up in central government directed bureaucracy that should be spent on front-line services and supporting local residents, she claimed.

Eaton said councils would look forward to being given the powers “which will allow them to take responsibility for delivering more with less”.

The coalition agreement between the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats has promised “a radical devolution of power and greater financial autonomy to local government and community groups”. There will also be a comprehensive review of local government finance.