The announcement by Michael Gove at the 2022 LGA Conference of the Office for Local Government - OFLOG - kicked off a wide ranging discussion on assurance, productivity and performance management in the sector against a backdrop of continued S114 notices being reported in a small number of authorities and growing requests for Exceptional Financial Support (EFS). Regular discussion between OFLOG and the Improvement and Innovation Board that I chair at the LGA in parallel with wider conversations across the sector underlined what a potentially important impact OFLOG could have. Whilst there were some areas of agreement, there were also some points of contention - so perhaps no surprise that the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Select Committee announced an inquiry in the Office for Local Government in November 2023, looking at its remit and how it will engage with local authorities to help raise performance and improve outcomes for people and places.
The LGA submitted it's written evidence, but was also called to give oral evidence, and as a result I was asked to appear as an expert witness. This wasn't the first time I've given evidence, but probably the most high profile enquiry I've taken part in, subsequently reported across the sector press. It's always an interesting experience, both in terms of the questions asked but also the style of the session. On this occasion, I was with Trevor Holden, representing the District Councils Network, and Cllr Keith Stevens, chair of the National Association of Local Councils who represent parish and town councils.
