Local government

Freedoms and flexibilities for local government

Freedoms and Flexibilities serve to remove central controls which can be a barrier to improved service delivery. In 2002 and 2003, packages of new powers and increased freedoms (for single/upper tier councils, and for District Councils respectively)  were announced, some of which were based on Comprehensive Performance Assessment categories. 

The majority of freedoms listed in these announcements currently still apply. The announcements can be accessed below.

The creation of the Innovation Forum was part of that package of freedoms, as was the removal of certain statutory plans. More information about the Forum and plan rationalisation in general can be found by following the links below.

Freedoms and Flexibilities can also be negotiated by individual councils as part of the Local Area Agreement process.

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Central-Local concordat

Read how central and local government will work together to serve the public.

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