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Some people in district councils could be forgiven for fearing the worst when looking at the future, in light of recent government pronouncements. In fact, many colleagues I speak to seriously wonder if anyone in Whitehall really appreciates the reality and successes of two-tier governance. If we consider the proposals in the sub-national review, the emphasis in practice seems to be on Regional Development Agencies working with single-tier and county council authorities. Surely, it is obvious that many aspects of a Regional Integrated Strategy covering planning and economic functions will be delivered by district councils in two-tier areas, by virtue of their roles as planning and housing authorities. So, we may ask, how could the Government get it so wrong? I must admit I prefer to take a different standpoint, and ponder whether this situation is more about the way district councils have not promoted their successes in delivering planning and housing strategies. But, rather than getting embroiled in the inevitable process issues that result – although it is very easy to get drawn into these – let's promote how we can and do implement sustainable communities strategies locally to benefit our communities, irrespective of the national guidance. It is particularly worthwhile to review all those ‘blots on the landscape' which exist in all our areas, and see how we can use these eyesores to deliver our wider community aspirations. Delivering local priorities successfully is probably the best way to re-energise the public's view of the country's political processes, and this can be done by focusing on community benefits, rather than structures and processes. This is particularly the case in two-tier areas, where the spectre of unitary government is not looming. Where two-tier structures are to stay for the immediate future, let's focus on delivering for local people, irrespective of government guidance or policy. Surely, delivering regeneration or other priorities locally will be a better epitaph than saying we were successful in remaining two tier. We owe that to our local government colleagues facing imposed structural changes, and not least the communities we serve. Paul Lankester is chief executive of Stratford-upon-Avon DC

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WHITEHALL

District View

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