The 2020s have been quite a ride so far, haven’t they? A pandemic, ruptured supply chains and rocketing costs of living.
These crises have been characterised by global roots, localised consequences and national institutions that have struggled to respond.
The less said about the last few months at Westminster the better. But problematic ideology aside, are there deeper questions we should be asking about whether our system of governance is fit for purpose?
We experienced the consequences of a rigid top-down response to the unfolding Covid crisis, attempting to command and control a virus that rapidly evolved on the ground. Community-led mutual aid filled the void, closely followed by council action, which recognised the need to ditch hierarchy and work with communities as equals.
A similar pattern is detectable now, as a hard winter looms. While national government has descended into farce, councils have been agreeing extended community support plans to get residents through – identifying warm spaces, access to food and emergency grants.
Yet rather than back these endeavours, the Government machine is readying itself for another round of austerity. It appears to have learnt nothing from the fragility created in our public services during the first round of austerity, which led to our particular lack of preparedness for Covid (pandemic planning having been subject to salami-slicing).
So, what would it look like if the aim of Government policy was not passing down risk to localities, but instead focused on removing risks and building resilience? Sufficient long-term investment in public provision and infrastructure would of course be a feature.
Beyond that, a renewed deal between national and local government would recognise the value of a strategic centre, combined with more local autonomy enabling communities and councils to work together. A stronger national-local interface would provide feedback loops capable of responding more effectively in real time.
Crises are becoming more the norm than a rarity – with continued international strife, a global recession and an overlooked climate emergency being prime examples. We cannot afford for our institutions of governance to limp from one to the next. National policy needs sharper focus on de-risking and building resilience locally.
Jessica Studdert is deputy chief executive at New Local
@jesstud
