Using enhanced powers to direct collaborative working across Wales is believed to be at the centre of the latest Welsh Assembly Government policy statement. The MJ understands that the document, focusing on local government and due to be released on Thursday by local government minister for Wales Sue Essex, will reiterate the recommendations of the Beecham Review which urged greater partnership working between local authorities and other agencies. But the document goes further and will apparently state WAG's intention to, amongst others, legislate on joint working to create stronger partnership working and use legislative powers to enhance collaborative approaches to service delivery. It could also suggest considering an enhanced role of non-executive councillors and possibly legislating to hand power of local budgets over to local councillors to focus on areas of concern within their communities. Director of the Welsh Local Government Association Steve Thomas seemed to agree. He told The MJ: ‘We understand that within the policy statement the Assembly will display a commitment to seek powers from the Government of Wales Act to enhance or direct collaborative approaches to strategic development.'
