The decision to delay or withdraw planned local government reorganisation has only created more uncertainty, says CIPFA’s CEO Owen Mapley.
He felt the announcement has shocked many, and while the Fair Funding Review and LGR were never going to return the sector to a sustainable and resilient position, they had provided a clear direction of travel and a framework against which to plan for the medium term.
Mapley pointed out the news will be a disappointment for some and relief for others, but all will share concern about the time and money that has already been spent.
He said: “With or without reorganisation, local government continues to face rising demands in homelessness, social care and Special Education Needs and Disabilities. These areas require significant reform and it is imperative that the government provide clarity on LGR quickly so attention can be focused on finding solutions to these issues whether reorganisation is part of the future local government landscape or not.”
