Joint statement: ADEPT, ADASS, ADCS and ADPH
Covid-19 has highlighted significant underlying inequalities and social injustice. A lack of investment in local places is having a major impact on many communities, and on the most vulnerable people in the country. This affects their quality of life, as well as whether they die younger than they would otherwise. The pandemic has reinforced our shared conviction that local councils are best placed to lead, manage and shape their places. Social care for children and adults, schools and other educational settings, a good job, childcare, libraries, green spaces, public transport and high streets all define ‘place’ for the people who live, study and work there, and they are passionate about making them better. Local councils need to be empowered to lead and shape their localities with their communities, tackle climate change, reset and regenerate the economy, reduce inequalities and create more cohesive, resilient and safer places. Investing in local places is in the national interest and one of the most powerful tools of the levelling up agenda. We call on the government to ensure that the Spending Review provides both long term certainty and greater levels of funding for local councils.
signed
James Bullion, President, ADASS
Jenny Coles, President, ADCS
Nigel Riglar, President, ADEPT
Jeanelle de Gruchy, President, ADPH