Local government secretary re-appointed

Council leaders have welcomed the news that the current Secretary of State at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is to remain in place.

Following last week’s general election victory by Boris Johnson, some had expected a wide-ranging reshuffle, but it appears that many cabinet members will stay in their current jobs for now.

Westminster insides believe a wider reshuffle will take place in February next year.

Robert Jenrick, who was appointed as housing, communities and local government secretary in July has confirmed he has returned to his role.

Yesterday (16 December), he tweeted that it was ‘fantastic’ to be back working at MHCLG.

‘There is so much to do and I will work with my department to deliver for people all across the country,’ he said.

The chairman of the County Councils Network, Cllr David Williams congratulated Mr Jenrick on being re-appointed.

‘He proved himself to be a champion for local councils in his department’s negotiations with the Treasury during the Spending Round, with local government receiving a substantial uplift in funding for the coming financial year,’ said Cllr Williams

‘Looking forward, there is the opportunity for a transformational agenda including Fair Funding, devolution, and working with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, the reform of adult social care,’ he added.

‘There is a lot to be developed as the government sets out its plans in more detail but with a majority government now in place, we want to see the Fair Funding Review proceed to implementation in 2021. It is imperative that the inequities in the way that local government finance is distributed is addressed and the secretary of state has previously pledged his support for the review. We want to work with him to bring in a new system that is fair and funds councils based on their need, both currently and in the future.

‘We also want to work with his department in shaping the Devolution White Paper and setting out a positive and workable vision for county devolution. We want to see flexibility in what type of devolution deals are available to county areas, and the deals with the most far-reaching powers not restricted to those that need to accept metro mayors.’

 Photo Credit – Derwiki (Pixabay)