Discussing devolution at De Montfort

The 10th anniversary of De Montfort University’s Local Governance Research Unit brought together a top class line up of speakers to discuss the future of local government and the impact that devolution could have on that.

Opening thoughts by MP’s Bob Neill and Graham Allan, along with former LGA Chair, Merrick Cockell, set the scene for a lively discussion around devolution and how the current momentum for devolution to local government is probably unstoppable.

Philip Blond, Alan Waters and APSE’s Paul O’Brien then gave their thoughts on issues around the future shape of local government and how it will deliver services. Discussion centred on the impact that markets have had on local government, whether this had been a success or failure and the various models doing the rounds on the future shape of local government as a deliverer or facilitator of services.

Simona Kukovic from the University of Ljubljana, then gave some perspectives from Slovenian Local Government. This vastly differs from the UK with much smaller units of local government.

With over 100 delegates in attendance it really was a successful event for DMU and APSE recognises the importance of its research partnership with the University and the LGRU.