DEVOLUTION
BSA members are responding to the challenge of increasing devolution and decentralisation.
Devolution has the potential to unlock local and regional economic development and stimulate innovation in the delivery of public services including through greater service integration – cutting down on wasteful service duplication and enabling a greater focus on user need.
These goals will only be achieved through a progressive, outward-looking and forward-looking approach to engagement with local communities and the full range of stakeholders, including those from the private and voluntary sectors who have the relevant expertise and experience.
Since the Government announced its intention to devolve powers away from Westminster to new, local ‘combined authorities’, the BSA has taken its engagement programme across the country. Meetings in Liverpool, Manchester, Sheffield and more have helped BSA members understand the priorities of these new authorities. Events with newly formed sub-regional bodies, such as in transport, have kept BSA members up-to-date as the devolution landscape continues to develop.
In a period of great fiscal constraint and with projected spending reductions in local government of 60% over the course of the current parliament, local authorities are looking for innovative ways to deliver high quality services for less. BSA members deliver a wide range of services to local authorities across the UK. For example, they clean streets, collect waste, manage street lighting, maintain parks, manage social housing and act as a first port of call for local residents.