Keith Ross, Independent group leader, LGA The LGA provides an independent group office, which provides information and advice to councillors not affiliated to any of the three largest parties. This represents some 2,000 councillors in England and Wales, which accounts for 7.3% of the total vote. There are ten independent-led councils across England and Wales. Independent and smaller party councillors bring a unique and alternative view to decision-making locally, ensuring policy and performance meets the needs of local people, with less reference to national party policy. Proof that voters value this kind of representation was demonstrated, in particular, by a substantial increase in the numbers of independent councillors elected in Wales in May. In the independent group we believe this trend will continue and want to ensure the LGA and independent group office can accommodate the changes under way in the wider political landscape. The independent group enables the LGA to get an accurate picture of local government membership, and the group has full representation in respect of LGA member structures with appointments to all of the LGA and family boards, panels and committees. As leader of the independent group I am also a deputy chair of the LGA. The group plays an active part in the organisation's developing business strategy, working in close co-operation with other political groups. By so doing we also help to raise the profile of independent and smaller party councillors and work tenaciously to do so. The LGA is enabling local authorities to demonstrate to central Government why more autonomy at local level is necessary and deserved. The independent group supports that ambition wholeheartedly. The group's improvement programme for 2008-09 looks to be as inclusive and member-led as possible, providing advice to every member of the group – as resources allow – whether a first time elected councillor, or those having lead roles within their authorities. The improvement programme has a close connection with the LGA's campaign across key areas of local service delivery and planning. We will continue to challenge and support the LGA as it secures pre-eminence within local government structure. There is a wealth of experience available to independent group members through the group office and we hope to see independent and smaller party councillors look to the LGA and the group office as a first port of call for advice, becoming known as first class both within the LGA, across local authorities and with external partners. To get in touch telephone 020 7664 3206 or e-mail independent.group@lga.gov.uk. n
