Building Strong Local Government

1

• Building Strong Local Government
• Implementation Transfer of Functions

Peter McNaney Chief Executive 26 February 2009
2
Overview

• The Context
• Transfer of Functions
• Making a success of it
• The Future

3
Context

• Stated Vision
• Strong dynamic local government
• Accessible, responsive, VFM services
• Vibrant, healthy sustainable communities
• The Reality
• Reduction from 26 to 11 Councils
• 100m (approx.) of budget transferring
• 1,000 people
• Elections for new Councils 12th May 2011
• The Challenge
• Transition to transformation
• Building the relationships
• Capacity to deliver
• Resources to deliver
• A Process not an Event

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Transfer of FunctionsImplementation Issues

• New functions
• Planning - local development plan functions,
  development control and enforcement 21.5m
  650 staff
• Regeneration and Community Development - 25m
  220 staff
• Public Realm aspects of Roads - 29.9m 220
  staff
• HMOs Transit Sites
• Local Economic Development and Tourism - 13m
  12 posts
• Bits and Pieces
• Need to clarify precisely what will transfer in
  terms of functions, budgets, people, assets and
  liabilities
• Devil will be in the detail
• Transfer of Functions Working Group set up to
  determine the detail

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Transfer of Functions Working Group

• Key Objectives
• Provide clarity on the detail of the functions
  transferring
• Consider cross-cutting issues across all of the
  functions
• Consider arrangements for integrating
  transferring functions within local government
• Report to Policy Development Panel C by 26th
  March 09

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Transfer of functions DRD Roads ServiceAn
example of the issues

• List of 11 proposed activities to transfer
• Alleygating, salting footways, pedestrian
  permits, local events on roads
• Maintenance of amenity areas, grass cutting/weed
  spraying, gully emptying
• Street lighting
• Off street car parking
• Street scaping and environmental improvements
• The approach
• What are the operational and resource
  implications associated with the transfer
• What added value will transfer bring
• To public
• For service improvements
• For Councils role in placeshaping

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Transfer of FunctionsImplementation Issues

• Key Questions
• How will transferring functions be delivered? gt
  PWC consultancy assignment
• How much will various options cost?
• Who will pick up the tab?
• Principles
• no extra burden to ratepayer at point of transfer
  
• strong and responsive local government
• Single point accountability
• Resources will dictate success or failure
• Key Task
• Business case to DFP
• VFM and Benefits Realisation

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Transfer of FunctionsImplementation Issues

• The Critical Question the context for Transfer
• What is the purpose of Local Government
• Place Shaping
• Services
• Assets
• Advocacy
• Need for common understanding across Regional
  Government of role of Local Government
• On the ground delivery, and local accountability
  eg enforcement
• Need for a joint conversation on the integration
  of initiatives and resources to make place
  shaping happen

9
The Approach

• We are all in it together
• Our problems are common we should share
  solutions
• The economic crisis will drive efficiency and
  joint solutions
• Politics will dictate a greater focus on delivery
  on the ground
• Time is too short for turf wars, petty politics
  and the distraction of conflict
• We all work for the same people
• All shoulders need to be at the wheel