James Jamieson
Strategy needed to meet workforce challenge
Working in local government is hugely rewarding, but councils are struggling to recruit and retain the staff they need, writes James Jamieson.
Extending devolution beyond our city regions is a welcome move
The Local Government Association has long called for a devolution framework and the White Paper’s invitation for every part of England to experience its benefits is a positive move, says James Jamieson.
We will continue to help councils reach their climate action goals
Local Government Association chair Cllr James Jamieson says: 'We were pleased the final text of the Glasgow Agreement recognised the urgent need for multi-level and co-operative action and the important role of local and regional governments.'
Michael Gove must ensure councils get the resources and freedoms they need
With significant ministerial changes at the top of the newly-named Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities there will be many big issues on the agenda, not least how councils can support levelling up plans, says James Jamieson.
Keeping the public and the frontline safe
Councils have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic, says Cllr James Jamieson, and they want to play a full part in vaccine roll out to the public and to frontline workers
Councils need a 'rock-solid' commitment on crisis funding
Chairman of the LGA Cllr James Jamieson says Robert Jenrick has reiterated his promise that councils will get all the resources they need to cope with this pandemic. He adds: 'This will need to be rock-solid.'
We want to work with new Government 'to help deliver on our shared ambitions'
One of Boris Johnson's key priorities must be to publish the provisional Finance Settlement quickly - and the LGA agrees with the Government's position that we need to get away from ‘Whitehall knows best’, says chairman Cllr James Jamieson.
We need the power
The Queen's Speech made it clear that Government has been listening to the LGA on some key issues, says James Jamieson - 'but we now need a long-term settlement that gives local government the powers, money and certainty to transform their areas'.
Give councils the powers, funding and tools they need to deliver
James Jamieson has a message for Boris Johnson: Give us the powers, freedoms, flexibilities and funding and we will deliver your post-Brexit vision that transforms this country for the better.