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The LGA has published a new manifesto in which it appeals for real powers to be devolved to councils. Heather Jameson assesses its chances of success. This week, the LGA has launched a new manifesto for democracy, outlining its hopes for a future with local government at the heart of national politics. Some of it may be pie in the sky– is central government really ready to allow local government to introduce Bills to parliament? It seems about as likely as a huge financial settlement for local government at the moment. Other aspects of the proposals are long overdue. But for a government which commissioned – then promptly ignored – the Lyons review into the balance of power, the thought of handing real democratic responsibility away may not come easy. The Lyons review was a realistic – and not too challenging – approach to how local government could work. The LGA manifesto is far less detailed, but goes further in removing legislative powers from central control. Some of the proposals are something of a no-brainer. Switching from the power of wellbeing to a power of general competence is one good example – and seems to have near-universal cross-party support. The recent LAML case has highlighted how desperate local government is for this move – and much has been written in the pages of LocalGov.co.uk's sister title, The MJ, on the matter. If new communities secretary, John Denham, is to leave one major legacy for local government, surely, this is it. And the LGA has long-since argued for the return of power over the business rates. Every now and then it seems almost possible, but now, in the current economic climate, it seems unlikely. Power for councils over local health services have also been mooted before – most often by the LGA – and would add to the democratic shortfall of health issues. It seems sensible from inside local government – but can we see the Department of Health buying it? However, it is not the individual policies which are of most interest in the LGA's new manifesto. Instead, it is the renewed tone of confidence which seemed almost impossible just a few months ago. At the start of this year, the LGA was an organisation teetering on the brink of chaos. The association had suffered several body blows in a short space of time – from losing the chairman last summer, to ousting the chief executive before Christmas – topped off with the threat of mass walkouts from members with tight budgets who were rapidly losing confidence. The sector as a whole had also taken a battering. From the Icelandic banks fiasco to the Baby P tragedy, via February's blizzards and the subsequent road gritting debacle, the competence of local government had been called into question across the media. What a difference six months makes. With MPs well and truly on the public's metaphorical naughty step, suddenly, local government doesn't look quite so bad. And as the spotlight fades on the misdemeanours of the autumn, and attention is instead turned to Westminster, local councillors now look like the honourable arm of British democracy – and in a position to restore public faith in politics. Well, almost. And as the Government implodes from a mixture of expenses scandals, financial meltdown, and just electoral boredom of the same old lot in power, why not look to local government to help resolve the country's woes? Why not take any help you can get. So, could local government really pull off a plan to wrestle back some autonomy from central government? Mr Denham is certainly making all the right noises – as are members of the Tory front bench, although opposition politicians often do want to devolve power until the point when they actually have to concede it, when they often have second thoughts. Perhaps it is all a pipe dream, or certainly parts of it are. But if there was ever a time when councils could redefine their role and prove their worth, then this is it. But, it will take more than a pamphlet from the LGA. It will take the entire sector working together on a cohesive plan to get what it needs – but for once, the shift in the balance of power may be swinging. Grasp it while you can.

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WHITEHALL

Time to tip the balance

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