4 July 2008
I spent much of this week with more than 1,000 delegates and high-profile national speakers at the Local Government Association's annual conference in Bournemouth.
I heard from national party figures including Conservative and Lib Dem leaders David Cameron and Nick Clegg, as well as communities secretary Hazel Blears and local government minister John Healey.
David Cameron told us that councils should be willing to hand responsibilities to local community groups in the same way central government should devolve powers to local areas.
I was especially impressed when he said: "If I have one message, it is that I do believe in the power of local government to make a huge difference to the lives of people and a difference for the better, but we have a better chance if we work together. If I want to get anything done, I know I need to work with the 32 London boroughs".
I was interested to discover that when asked which animal best describes their council, people often mention animals we wouldn't want to be compared to: sloth, donkey, elephant, dinosaur, ostrich or the cat that sits on your lap when it wants feeding!
This is odd because councils are the most efficient part of the public sector - performing better than ever, as judged by the independent watchdog.
Maybe our residents simply aren't aware that from dawn 'til dusk their council is providing hundreds of services and therefore we need to better communicate what we do and what residents' council tax pays for!
Cllr Peter Thompson
Leader
London Borough of Hounslow
