September has shifted up a gear, both in terms of Government policy developments and our own event plans. We’re now just two and a half weeks away from Strictly Highways, and this year’s agenda is shaping up to be one of our best yet. Susanne is working her magic to make room for more councils, and the team, like a well-oiled machine, is excited in anticipation to welcome the ever-increasing number of councils and corporates.
This event holds a special place for me. It’s hard to believe that as I write this, it’s exactly seven years since the very first Strictly in 2018.
On this day in 2018 delegates that came the afternoon before had a private tour of the Ballroom and Blackpool Tower. I was one of those people!
Back then, I couldn’t have imagined being in my dream role today (apologies to former employers!), a role where I get to make a real impact in the sector alongside my brilliant colleagues.
Together with the invaluable support of our Corporate Members and partners, we’ve now delivered over £1m worth of services to councils through LCRIG.
September often starts quietly, but last week the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill passed its second reading in the House of Commons last week, by 365 votes to 164. If enacted, this Bill will reshape local government and funding for years to come.
Why is this bill important? Government has positioned the Bill as a vehicle to make devolution the default, empowering communities with new powers and integrated funding settlements. But the detail matters: while it promises strategic authorities, stronger mayoral powers, and reforms to governance and audit, MPs have raised concerns. Key issues they are concerned about include the risk of power being centralised at a regional level, council mergers without local consent, increased costs in an already stretched financial climate, threats to local democratic structures, and broad mayoral powers with limited accountability.
As I’ve said before, my role isn’t just about highways policy – it’s about keeping an eye on the wider picture legislation and policy around autonomy, communications, governance, and anything else that could influence our sector.
Which brings me back to Strictly Highways. That’s what makes this event so valuable. It’s not just about hearing from the DfT or sharing insights from our Innovation Report. It’s also about the conversations from councils, corporates, and those on the ground that give us the real picture of what’s happening across the sector. Every session this year has been shaped by council requests or designed to showcase our ongoing work.
And as the month goes on, more policy announcements will emerge from the DfT and the Ministry for Housing and Local Government. That means plenty of reading, plenty of analysis, and plenty of thinking about what it all means for us and for you.
Paula Claytonsmith, CEO