The Government has been accused of not getting its act together over local government reform, after delaying the Lyons review yet again. Chancellor Gordon Brown announced last week that he and local government secretary, Ruth Kelly, had asked Sir Michael Lyons to delay publication of his eagerly-anticipated report until March 2007 to incorporate the Barker, Leitch and Eddington reports. Local Government Association chairman, Lord Bruce-Lockhart, said: ‘I don't welcome the news, because it has already been delayed twice before. ‘I think the Government just has not got its act together in time, but I do think it's a good opportunity, because the whole point of Barker and Eddington is more devolution on planning and transport.' Tim Thorogood, chairman of the Local Government Information Unit, said: ‘The delay and lack of integration between the local government Bill, Lyons and the Treasury, points to a lack of joined-up thinking by the Government.' The review's remit was first extended in September 2005. An interim report was published in December 2005, and a further paper was issued in May 2006. Sir Michael published a discussion report on Monday looking at the three reports (see comment, p8). Questions for Sir Michael Lyons on: The Barker report on planning: What role should councils have in relation to a future independent planning commission? How should empty property relief in business rates be reformed? The Eddington transport study: Can councils work in partnership to deliver transport, or are new institutions necessary? How can councils link work on planning, housing and transport issues more effectively. Leitch review of skills: How can councils relate to a reformed Learning and Skills Council? What role should councils play in the proposed Employment and Skills board?
