Driving Local Growth – Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEP) Transition:
Reflections of the future of LEP’s were shared in this session with a number of powerful messages about the link between money and growth. ‘Businesses will go where the money is’ rather than base decisions purely on geography, reminded a senior business leader. A plea was made by another panel member to listen carefully to the voice of business when determining future policy shape, with an equally strong plea to not over politicise the discussions. The panel concluded that devolution will provide a platform for longer term growth and strategic planning, which is so sorely needed for future success.
Social Care reforms:
High hopes that this session would set out a clearer road map for future policy did not materialise. The session led with a clear proposal for a National Care Service which could materialise into a Labour Party flagship policy in advance of the inevitable national elections next year. A Roadmap towards a National Care Service was set out and prompted controversy amongst the audience, with diverse views apparent.
The politician on the panel cited four key priorities for the current government’s continuing reform which were: workforce, Housing to enable people to remain in their own homes as long as possible, technology to support independence and funding. Whilst funding has always been the issue at the centre of reforms a clear message was sent that continuing to fund care from Core Council Tax could be problematic in the longer term as demand continues to outstrip available budgets.
Home to School Transport- CCN Launch of Report
Peopletoo welcomed this session and the launch of CCN’s report into Home To School Transport– the report was carried out by Ipsos Partnership and headlined with:-
‘England’s largest councils today warn that spiralling school transport budgets for children with special education needs and disabilities (SEND) are threatening their financial sustainability, as new analysis reveals costs are set to triple to £1.125bn over the course of a decade’
The report’s author Natalie Parish presented to a packed auditorium of CCN members, who are all grappling with the challenges of increasing demand, increasing complexities and significant structural levers impacting on this area and the wider issues SEND brings.
This is a key area for us, bringing our sector expertise on SEND, Fleet Management and Alternative Travel to bear to support local authorities in supporting their local families and children.