Local Authority Emergencies

Since local authorities started to declare climate emergencies, a common message from APSE has been that no single issue will dominate activity in a way that the term ‘emergency’ might suggest it should. We have quoted the view that austerity constitutes a financial emergency affecting the entire sector whilst local emergencies emerge such as urgent childcare matters, traffic accidents or social care events, in addition to other environmental issues such as air quality and deforestation which make up elements of the climate emergency. All are emergencies in their own right and happen in every council, bringing unique impacts to the local authority in question.

The COVID-19 situation is another example – in this case more global and urgent than those noted above – and it highlights the issues of global interconnectivity and reliance resulting in an unprecedented situation and huge challenge for us all. The similarities to climate change are clear. If we didn’t know it already, the pandemic puts the need for prioritisation and communication into stark perspective. In the local government context senior management and councillors must be clear about a strategic approach to each emergency and what they expect in terms of outputs. Communication of that expectation is obviously fundamental to success in meeting objectives both within the council and externally.   

Climate change and other environmental threats remain critical at the moment. Local authorities are used to juggling numerous priorities and those who manage them best have a tried and trusted approach to doing so.

Whilst this is a challenging time for all of us, we know that local government is a strong and resilient public service that has come through many challenges. Our communities rely upon us for vital frontline services. APSE wants to support our members in the delivery of those services and ensure that local councils are best placed to support the social and economic recovery that will be needed within our local communities as well as our local and national economies.